asked the Minister for Education if she will consider making further allocations for the pre-employment course which is currently being run by schools; if she is aware of the need for such courses; if she will have the matter reviewed regarding the extra allocation of funds; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Pre-Employment Course.
124.
As I indicated in the Programme for Action in Education 1984-1987 the review of the European Social Fund and the adoption of new guidelines have enabled my Department to consider an expansion of activities in the area of vocational training for young persons. Proposals are being made for additional European Social Fund assistance which, if approved, would enable my Department to (i) expand existing pre-employment courses and extend them to selected secondary schools; (ii) adapt existing pre-employment secretarial courses to increase their relevance to changed technological needs in the general employment area; and (iii) provide one-year and two-year vocational courses for young persons who have completed compulsory education and for whom an academic senior cycle course is seen to be unsuitable.