Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
1674. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he plans to align the number of days per year in Youthreach with second level schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13621/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra1680. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science what actions he intends to take to address the massive imbalance in days of attendance (208) for Youthreach students in comparison to student attendance (166) in upper secondary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13627/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1674 and 1680 together.
The Youthreach programme is a national programme of full-time education and training for early school leavers. The programme provides integrated education, training, and work experience for unemployed early school leavers who are between 15 and 20 years of age.
As per the Youthreach Programme Operating Guidelines, learners must attend the programme 208 days per academic year. Youthreach Centres are granted flexibility in relation as to how they manage these 208 days.
In general, the Youthreach calendar for learners is similar to the secondary school calendar, except for the summer programme. Youthreach Centres close for public holidays, take breaks over the Easter and Christmas periods and most centres take mid-terms.
The main reason for the difference between the secondary school and Youthreach calendars is the social and development aspects of the Youthreach programme. The extra days attendance are designed to provide learners with a continuity of supports. Youthreach participants have access to several supports such as a training allowances, work experience, career guidance, and personal counselling along with informal support from staff and local networks. This range of extra-curricular activities allows learners to focus on social, personal and emotional skills development.
In addition, the aim of the Youthreach summer programme is to further develop the personal, academic, vocational, basic, and transversal skills of learners. This is achieved though a combination of methods such as educational workshops, educational trips, skills workshops, community projects, therapeutic workshops, team building days and the work experience programme. The summer programme also offers extracurricular trips for the enjoyment and engagement of learners.
