Vol. 547 No. 1
1232 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science the supports or programmes regarding career guidance which are available for persons in the 18-22 year old age group, who are recovering from major illnesses to rehabilitate them and help prepare them for employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1778/02]
Post leaving certificate students in schools have access to the school guidance counsellor.
Up to 1999 there was no other educational guidance service available for students in the adult education sector. The White Paper on Adult Education: Learning for Life published in 2000 provides for the development of such a service on a phased basis, with a view to having a comprehensive service in place by 2006. The first two phases of the project have resulted in a service being put in place in 19 areas, to serve participants in VTOS, literacy and adult and community education programmes. The coverage of the service will be expanded to further areas this year.
Funds are also provided by my Department to vocational education committees for guidance-counselling and psychological services for participants in Youthreach and Traveller Training Centre programmes for early school leavers.
