Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 April 2012
363 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if, with the creation of SOLAS he will consider the funding arrangement for youth reach projects to be channelled through the schools section within his Department in view of the fact that these projects offer courses to junior and leaving certificate level, among others; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18938/12]
View answerThere are almost 6,000 Youthreach places available nationwide under the Youthreach umbrella funded by my Department. Almost 3,700 of these places are provided by Vocational Education Committees (VECs) in just over 100 Youthreach centres. The majority of the remainder of places are provided by FÁS in Community Training Centres. Learners in Youthreach receive a weekly training allowance and can access childcare supports. Basic skills training, practical work training and general education to enable them to progress to further education and employment are features of the programme. Participants complete tailored programmes, which may include Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate subjects, but are mainly made up of modules at Levels 2 to 4 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).
I chair an Implementation Group which is drawing up an Action Plan for the establishment of SOLAS, which, when established, will operate under the aegis of the Department of Education and Skills and co-ordinate and fund the wide range of further education and training programmes around the country. The funding of those programmes, including Youthreach, will be a matter for discussion between my Department, SOLAS and VECs, who will ultimately be responsible for the delivery to the public in an integrated way of both further education and training programmes.
