Written Answers. - Youthreach Programme.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:
92
Mr. Quinn
asked the
Minister for Education and Science
the funding provided for Youthreach for each of the years 1995 to date; the number of participants in each year; and if he will make a statement on his proposals for the future of this scheme.
[17136/01]
The information requested by the Deputy on Youthreach is as follows:
|
Year
|
Funding
|
Participants
|
|
1995
|
£8,596,045
|
2,635
|
|
1996
|
£8,801,002
|
2,850
|
|
1997
|
£9,633,459
|
2,874
|
|
1998
|
£15,596,739
|
2,882
|
|
1999
|
£19,914,344
|
2,976
|
|
2000
|
£20,474,742
|
3,078
|
|
2001
|
£25,281,000 (estimated)
|
3,180(estimated)
|
Youthreach is targeted at young people aged 15-20 who left school with either minimal or no qualifications, generally those who attained less than 5 Ds at junior cycle level. Delivery is provided jointly by FÁS and the vocational education committees in order to ensure the optimum range of choices for participants on the programme. The figures shown are for Youthreach in the education sector only. The funding role for payment of training allowances for Youthreach participants in the VEC sector transferred from FÁS to my Department with effect from 6 April 1998. The figures exclude some 800 places in a network of senior Traveller training centres which caters for Travellers, both young people and adults in a culturally supportive environment. The cost of this programme is estimated at £9.01 million in 2001. Responsibility for the Traveller training centre network, which had been funded jointly by FÁS and the Department of Education up to 1998, was transferred entirely to the VEC sector with effect from 6 April 1998.
Following the mid-term review of EU Structural Funds in 1998, a major expansion of places under Youthreach was agreed, increasing provision in FÁS and the vocational education committees. The expansion was designed to address a critical shortfall in places and to increase opportunities for participants to progress to further education and training after the foundation stage of the programme. It was complemented by the provision for the first time of a guidance, counselling and psychological service measure, and by childcare provision within the VEC sector.
This expansion happened side by side with a dramatic improvement in the economy and a rapid fall in overall unemployment. As a result, providers are having difficulty in filling places, and are faced with a move from Youthreach into employment as job opportunities increase. Based on feedback from centres, there would appear to be no need at present for an increase in Youthreach full-time places nationally.
However, it is intended that under the Back to Education initiative, set out in the national development plan, there will be an expansion of part-time education options under VTOS, Youthreach and PLC programmes, particularly aimed at those with less than upper secondary education. This will enable existing full-time places to be redeployed to part-time mode where appropriate. A major focus of this initiative will facilitate part-time and more flexible options within Youthreach so as to enable those who leave the programme mid-way to enter employment to continue their education on a part-time basis to gain qualifications. This will also enable education, employment and family responsibilities to be combined, and help Youthreach to cater more effectively for lone parents.
