Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 421: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the costs associated with increasing the number of Youthreach places by 600; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30703/10]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Youthreach is an integrated programme of education, training and work experience, introduced jointly with FÁS in 1989, for young people between 15 and 20 years of age who have left school early without any qualifications or vocational training. There are almost 6,000 places available nationwide under the Youthreach umbrella funded by my Department. Almost 3,700 of these are operated by VECs in around 100 Youthreach centres and the majority of the remainder are operated by FÁS in around 30 Community Training Centres (CTCs). Participants are paid a training allowance and are eligible for a range of additional allowances (meal, travel, long-term unemployment bonus). They are also eligible for child care support.

The total funding provided by my Department to FÁS and VECs in 2009 under the Youthreach umbrella was of the order of €120 million. This includes the cost of participant allowances, staff costs and other non-pay costs, including the current level of rents. On this basis, an additional 600 places would cost an estimated €12 million. Additional funding may be required above this amount for once-off capital and start up costs.