Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 January 2014
219. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the provisions that must be made for the welfare needs of a expectant mother who is participating on Youthreach at the location of the programme; the number of sick days they are entitled to take in a six month period; if they will be paid for time taken off to look after their medical and welfare needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1063/14]
View answer220. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the implications for accumulated credits where an expectant mother has to leave a Youthreach programme before completion to give birth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1064/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 219 and 220 together. Youthreach programmes are managed locally by Education and Training Boards(ETBs). The ETBs set the guidelines for sick leave entitlements for their programmes and these are notified to learners on enrolment.It is expected that Youthreach centres will respect the medical and welfare needs of expectant mothers attending the programme. The training allowance paid to Youthreach learners is based on attendance therefore learners are not entitled to a training allowance while on extended sick leave or while they are on maternity leave. Centres are expected to have a place available for learners who wish to return to the Youthreach programme following maternity leave. A learner leaving the Youthreach programme can check their eligibility for a Social Protection payment with their local Department of Social Protection Office. The QQI system is designed around a modular system of learning. When an expectant mother undertaking a QQI certified course leaves Youthreach during the programme the modules they have completed are noted in their file. They can complete the rest of the modules upon their return to Youthreach. Where modules have not been completed the learners work is retained and they can complete the module on return to the programme. The same process applies to the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme. This process does not apply to the Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate where final exams are held at the end of each academic year.
