Olwyn Enright
Question:257 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if he intends to make staff working on Youthreach projects permanent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17609/03]
Written Answers. - Youthreach Programme.
The employment contract for the posts of Youthreach co-ordinator and resource person in Youthreach centres operated by vocational education committees may be offered for a fixed purpose. The fixed purpose contract provides that employment in the post will be continued subject to the following criteria: a) the continued operation of the Youthreach programme and b) the number of Youthreach places approved in the VEC area being continued.
In the event of a Youthreach service no longer being required in a VEC scheme, the issues arising will be the subject of national discussions between the Department, the management body in the area and relevant staff side representatives. Issues relating to employment status of staff in Youthreach is the subject of ongoing discussions with the relevant staff side representatives.
Olwyn Enright
Question:258 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the exact standing of qualified teachers who are working on the Youthreach programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17610/03]
A fixed purpose contract for employment in the posts of Youthreach co-ordinator and resource person in Youthreach centres operated by vocational education committees may be offered to staff in such posts, including those staff who may have qualifications reckonable as teaching qualifications. Staff employed on the programme are recruited to work in Youthreach. Youthreach posts are not advertised as teaching posts and teaching qualifications are not required for employment in such centres.
Olwyn Enright
Question:259 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason he has not transferred the Youthreach project which has been running for 15 years into a permanent programme as distinct from a pilot project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17611/03]
Olwyn Enright
Question:260 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if he intends to make Youthreach a permanent programme; if he intends to leave it as a pilot programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17612/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 259 and 260 together.
Youthreach is the national response to the needs of unqualified early school leavers in Ireland, and is designed to offer a programme of integrated general education, vocational training and work experience. The courses are full-time, of 35 hours duration per week, and are available on a year round basis. Government policy objectives in this area are: to improve participation rates and outcomes in schools in the first instance and, where this strategy has not met the needs of the individual learner, to provide for second-chance education and training such as Youthreach for those who left school early, particularly those who left without any qualification. Support for the continued operation of programmes such as Youthreach will be sustained, as necessary, for those early school leavers who require it.