Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 239: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will work with all other Departments in relation to support and funding resource hours for students at Bonnybrook Youthreach in Coolock, Dublin 17. [35831/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The Youthreach programme is the national response to the needs of unqualified early school leavers in the 15-20 age group. It is designed to offer courses of integrated general education, vocational training and work experience.

My Department already has criteria governing the recognition and funding of Youthreach centres. In this regard, an integrated district approach is implemented by the relevant VEC. It involves consultation with FÁS, area based partnerships and other statutory-voluntary training providers in the vicinity on local needs. The district approach ensures, as far as possible, complementarity with the activities of other agencies and avoids duplication of the core functions of Youthreach in order to get value for money.

My Department is committed to continue to allocate the necessary tuition hours to city of Dublin VEC for Bonnybrook Youthreach as the city of Dublin VEC has statutory responsibility for the day-to-day operations of this Youthreach programme.