Brendan Smith
Question:18 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, he has to provide permanent employment for Youthreach co-ordinators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6615/00]
Written Answers. - Youthreach Programme.
The contract for the post of Youthreach co-ordinator in Youthreach centres operated by vocational education committees may be offered for a fixed purpose. In this instance, the fixed purpose contract provides that employment in the post will be continued subject to the following criteria: the continued operation of the Youthreach programme and the justification for the number of Youthreach places approved in the particular VEC area being continued.
The above criteria are in conformity with a determination given by the adjudication board on 8 December 1998 which provided that wherever possible the contract offered to Youthreach co-ordinators and resource workers should be for a fixed purpose or for a minimum period of two years whichever is the longer.
The terms of the finding given by the adjudication board were implemented by my Department in 1999 following consultations with the relevant staff and management side representatives.
I am aware of concerns in regard to tenure among those employed in the Youthreach area. The Programme for Prosperity and Fairness provides that "Youthreach and other non-mainstream education programmes will be reviewed so as to ensure their effective operation". In this context the question of tenure of the Youthreach co-ordinators will be examined.