I propose to take Questions Nos. 259 to 261, inclusive, together.
Statistics on the programmes referred to by the Deputy are provided in the following table.As the 2012 statistics for BTEI and VTOS are not yet available figures for 2011 have been provided.
The PLC statistics provided are for the 2012/2013 academic year. A figure for the number of unemployed participants in PLC is not included as this information has not been received from all VECs. However my Department is aware from consultations with the Department of Social Protection that there are 8,169 participants in PLC in receipt of a Back To Education Allowance (BTEA). My Department does not have a breakdown on the number of unemployed participants by age as this is not currently being collected by VECs. Arrangements are being made to have full data on participants in all further education programmes returned by VECs to my Department for future years.
|
Programme:
|
BTEI
|
VTOS
|
PLC
|
|
Year:
|
2011
|
2011
|
2012/13
|
Total number of participants
|
|
32,030
|
5,650
|
35,609
|
Total number of participants aged under 25
|
|
4,835
|
945
|
24,643
|
Total number unemployed
|
|
12,638
|
4,211*
|
-
|
Total number unemployed for 12 months or more
|
|
8,100
|
2,929
|
-
|
* Had been in receipt of JA/JB. The remaining learners had been in receipt of One Parent Family Payment or Disability Allowance etc.