Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Deputy. The experience of people in the area I represent, which is predominantly rural but close to the urban setting of Limerick city, is similar. We have some larger towns and people in my constituency have experienced and articulated to me some of the challenges Deputy Gould outlined.

The Youthreach programme is very important. Many of the people we speak of are younger people who have left school for various reasons. The programme is delivered in two ways, namely, through Youthreach centres and community training centres, which are doing some very good work. I encourage those who have issues with access to use this avenue.

The Deputy raised the issue of barriers. The back to education initiative provides part-time and further education training programmes for young people and adults who have left full-time education with less than an upper second level qualification. That support and help is there for people also.

See this speech in context