Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2021

Wednesday, 13 January 2021

Questions (642, 662, 671, 673)

Paul Murphy

Question:

642. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if, in the context of the closure of schools and colleges to reduce the spread of Covid-19 infection, he will instruct all education and training boards to close all Youthreach centres in line with the closure of the other educational establishments for the duration of the current Covid restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1780/21]

Seán Crowe

Question:

662. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the specific guidance issued to education and training boards, ETBs, ahead of the scheduled reopening of Youthreach programmes in January 2021. [1150/21]

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

671. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if Youthreach centres will remain open during the new lockdown; and if not, if they will close in line with schools. [1440/21]

Seán Sherlock

Question:

673. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of Youthreach under new public health restrictions. [1556/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

I propose to take Questions Nos. 642, 662, 671 and 673 together.

Following the most recent Government announcement on level 5 restrictions, renewed guidance was issued by Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI) to the Further Education and Training (FET) sector on 7th January 2021, following consultation with stakeholders. This guidance included the provision that Youthreach services will resume as scheduled with provision primarily online but with additional support onsite where necessary to meet the mental health and welfare needs of learners.