Vol. 545 No. 3
157 Mr. B. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the discussions he has had with City and County Dublin VEC in relation to increasing the existing weekly payment to Youthreach trainees; his views on whether such trainees' basic payment should be in line with social welfare rates; his plans to improve the position of trainees in this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30235/01]
Youthreach is a second chance education programme for young people aged between 15 and 20, who left school early without qualifications, that is, with less than five grade D's in the junior certificate. Training allowances are paid to participants depending on age, as follows: aged 15 to 16 years, £34.80 per week – 44.19; aged 17, £43.50 per week – 55.23 and aged 18 and over £85.50 per week – 108.56.
The rate of £85.50 per week – 108.56 – for Youthreach trainees aged 18 and over is equivalent to the maximum unemployment payment under the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs for an adult. The rates of Youthreach training allowances are also co-ordinated with the relevant FÁS training allowances. It is expected that any future increase in Youthreach training allowances will be approved in accordance with general periodic improvements applicable to State-aided education and training programmes. The schedule of payments was notified to Vocational Education Committees on 22 May 2001.
