asked the Minister for Education if she will outline the 11 vocational education committee areas which have been chosen for the implementation of a Youthreach programme this year; the way in which the statistics in respect of a relatively high number of early school leavers are collected with a view to selecting areas for the Youthreach programme; if she will lay before Dáil Éireann any circulars that she issued to vocational education committees in regard to the operation of the Youthreach programme; and the purpose, method of and likely duration of this scheme.
Written Answers. - Youthreach Programme.
26.
The 11 vocational education committees chosen for the implementation of my Department's element of the Youthreach programme in 1989 are as follows:— City of Dublin V.E.C.; County Dublin V.E.C.; City of Cork V.E.C.; City of Limerick V.E.C.; City of Galway V.E.C.; County Louth V.E.C. (Dundalk); City of Waterford V.E.C.; Town of Sligo V.E.C.; Borough of Dun Laoghaire V.E.C.; Town of Bray V.E.C.; Town of Wexford V.E.C.
Statistics on early school leavers are collected through liaison between primary and post primary schools, within post primary schools, through the community referral network, and through the social guarantee register held in each FÁS employment services office.
The following documents were issued to vocational education committees regarding the operation of Youthreach:— (a) Youthreach A Summary; (b) Youthreach — Framework of Objectives; (c) Youthreach — Operators Guidelines.
I have arranged for copies to be made available in the Dáil Library.
Youthreach is a two year programme intended for people in the 15-18 year old age group who have left school early without any formal qualifications or vocational training. It is a joint Department of Education-Labour programme operated through FÁS and the vocational education committees. The programme is structured around two years—a foundation year to help overcome learning difficulties, develop self-confidence and a range of competence essential for further learning, and a progression year which will provide for more specific development through a range of education, training and work experience options. Basic skills training, practical work training and general education are features of the programme and there is a strong emphasis on the integration of new technology into all aspects of programme content. Trainees attend on a full time basis and receive a FÁS training allowance.