Ms Marie Kelly:

We do. If the Deputy understands, our clients have many difficulties including injury and mental health. Quite often they will have an episode in which they will come off the programme for a period of three or four weeks and re-enter the programme. Once they are off a certain length of time we are not funded. Plus, this allows another person to come onto the programme. Really, it is about making the most efficient use of the programmes. We also operate a flexible intake, which means people can come onto our programmes at any time, so one is not waiting for the start of an academic year. As in the case of many colleges, there is a difficulty in retaining the numbers. Having started with the full number, by the end of January or February they have lost probably 40%. Of the number of non-completions or drop-outs - which is a horrible term - 50% of those will return because they leave the programme for medical reasons. At the moment we are looking at a discharge rate of 37%, half of whom will come back in when they have dealt with their difficulties.

Our outcomes are very strong and they are much stronger by international comparison. We would be seen as the leading edge across Europe. On average, 90% of those who complete our programmes enter into employment or further education and training. Many of our clients progress to FÁS courses, now provided by the local education and training boards, which will provide further continuing education. It is about getting people on the first step of the ladder and giving them the confidence to go back to education and achieve some level of certification and some level of work experience and scope outside the academic world. We give them certification but also the supports they require to deal with keeping well and any other difficulties.