Mr. Barry Peak:

In the context of the A-levels, there is no equivalent of transition year. Not to put too fine a point on it, transition year is a godsend to us and organisations like ours. It gives schools the space to undertake these kinds of programmes. In Northern Ireland, a somewhat similar programme is run by Co-operation Ireland, I believe. Again, that is very much about citizenship and active citizenship. What we do, however, is unique because it is about the innovation aspect and the learning that comes with it. I wish we had a presence in Northern Ireland because young people there would really benefit from the programme. We talked about uncertain and precarious futures and there is definitely a cohort of young people in that category. We need support on the ground. We need somebody in Northern Ireland to help us out, help us to navigate the school curriculum and identify where this programme would be best positioned. It could be that it would fit in with what in Northern Ireland is called key stage 3, which would be similar to the junior cycle here. We have not given up and I am sure there are opportunities.