Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 159: To ask the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 731 of 11 December 2007, when she will make a decision on the way to provide for the learning needs of young people who leave school early or who may not wish to progress directly into employment or higher education and adults seeking second chance education in the adult, further and vocational education sector as per the National Adult Education Learning Council; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6043/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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This Government has pursued a dual strategy of both encouraging more young people to finish school and ensuring much greater second chance and further education opportunities for those who left school early. This has led to an increase in the proportion of young people with at least the Leaving Certificate or equivalent, as well as improving the educational profile of 20-24 year olds through increased opportunities in the further education and training sector.

For those who leave the education system early, my Department will continue to provide flexible responses through such initiatives as Youthreach, which provides young people with second chance education and an alternative mode of participation. This programme currently has around 3,600 places and an additional 100 places have been provided for in 2008.

Second chance education in the adult, further and vocational education sector is provided mainly through part-time programmes in adult literacy, the Back to Education Initiative (BTEI) and the full-time Youthreach and VTOS programmes. Over 28,000 participants are catered for through the BTEI and another 500 places have been provided for in 2008.

Following the formation of the ad-hoc National Adult Learning Council in 2002, concerns emerged that the functions envisaged for it were too wide-ranging and were not sufficiently focused. Additionally, a number of developments had occurred which would impact on its work. Therefore, a strategic review of the role and functions of the Council was undertaken to address these concerns. The outcome of the review has been under consideration in my Department and a decision on the best way forward is due to be made shortly, taking full account of existing provision and structures.