Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 4 Dec 1997

Vol. 484 No. 2

Written Answers. - Youthreach Allocation.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

42 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science the resources, if any, which were allocated to Youthreach for each of the years from 1990 to date in 1997; the amount that will be allocated to Youthreach in 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21698/97]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

The information requested by the Deputy is as follows in so far as Youthreach within the education sector is concerned:—

	£
1990 expenditure	2,781,481
1991 expenditure	4,446,322
1992 expenditure	5,924,356
1993 expenditure	6,597,761
1994 expenditure	7,178,721
1995 expenditure	8,596,045
1996 expenditure	8,801,002
1997 projected outturn	9,642,000
1998 estimate	15.1m

The provision under the Youthreach programme for unqualified early school leavers within the vocational education committee sector has expanded progressively since its introduction, and has increased from 500 places at the end of 1989 to 2,450 places approved in 1997. The increase in 1998 includes the carry-over costs of the 450 extra places approved during 1997, along with provision for a further 375 additional places in 1998, and a new guidance, counselling and psychological service for the programme. This investment will be complemented by the provision of 250 extra places for Traveller early school leavers within the senior traveller training centres, and a substantial increase within the FAS system. Overall, provision of places for early school leavers in 1998 by FAS and the vocational education committees will increase from 4,525 places to a minimum of 6,250 places.