Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2004
96 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if the Youthreach programme will be extended in 2004; the locations at which the programme is available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5200/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraYouthreach is an interdepartmental initiative between the Department of Education and Science and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment for young people who left school early without qualifications or with poor qualifications. Over 7,000 young people are provided with specialised training and work experience to help them develop their skills and employment opportunities. The programme is administered jointly by the Department of Education and Science and FÁS and is delivered in 90 Youthreach centres managed by the VECs and 45 community training centres funded by FÁS.
Having regard to the number of places available on the programme, together with the strategies in place to promote school completion and address the needs of young people at risk of early school leaving, I have no plans to extend the Youthreach programme in 2004. I will arrange for a list of Youthreach centres to be forwarded to the Deputy.
