Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

When the Labour Party was in government, it successfully and significantly increased retention rates of pupils and students in both primary and secondary schools. The saddest predictor of somebody being poor in later life is if he or she leaves school at an early stage without qualifications. The numbers of those who want to access Youthreach has been falling but they are still significant. They include children who have been affected by various family issues and children from different ethnic backgrounds. For instance, Traveller children are significant participants in Youthreach. A good Youthreach programme can make all the difference to somebody being successful, going on to a trainee or apprenticeship programme or to college. There are success stories from Youthreach across the country.

Which part of the recommendations will the Minister implement? Will he take action to make the programme more accessible?

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