Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 126: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when she intends to introduce statutory recognition of a group (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13471/06]

Síle de Valera (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware early school leaving is a complex problem, and so my Department has a multifaceted strategy in place both to improve participation rates and outcomes in schools in the first instance and to provide second chance education and training to young people who have left school early.

The Youthreach programme involves a mix of general education, vocational training and work experience. The provision is full-time, of 35 hours duration per week, and is available on a year round basis. It operates under the control of vocational education committees which have the statutory responsibility for delivering the programme in out of school centres.

In 2004 my predecessor designated the group as centres of education under the Education Act 1998, section 10(4). This designation is noted in circular F49/04. Such designation enables, for example, parents of young people in the programme to become involved in elections to vocational education committees. It also regularises the position of the group vis-À-vis supports, monitoring and evaluation by my inspectorate.

I am currently considering issues relating to the prescription of this group under the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000, Section 14(19)b. I am strongly supportive of the Youthreach programme and the excellent work that Youthreach centres do in providing training for your people who have left school. I will continue to prioritise support for this sector.