Youthreach Programme.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 December 2007

Thursday, 6 December 2007

Ceisteanna (198)

Michael Ring

Ceist:

198 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if a Youthreach student (details supplied) in County Mayo will be provided with an allowance towards their travel costs in view of the fact that the nearest public transport service will leave them nine miles from home yet a private transport operator passes by their house and that their parents were told that they would be provided with transport if they proceeded with this course. [33046/07]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Mary Hanafin)

The Youthreach Programme is an Inter-Departmental initiative which provides two years integrated education, training and work experience to young people aged 15-20 years who have left school early without any qualifications or vocational training.

A weekly travel allowance is in operation and is available to students who are 3 miles or more from the nearest centre. The allowance is administered at local level by the VEC.

The person concerned should contact their local VEC in relation to this.