Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 198: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a full-time youthreach programme is considered as full-time education for the purposes of family law maintenance payments in respect of young adults aged between 18 and 23 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15737/12]

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Youthreach is administered as a full-time integrated programme of education, training and work experience, generally of two years duration. Young people between 15 and 20 years of age who have left school early without any qualification or vocational training are eligible to participate and are paid an age-related training allowance. They are eligible for a range of additional allowances (meal, travel, long-term unemployment bonus) and, where applicable, childcare support under the Childcare Education and Training Support (CETS) scheme. In relation to family law maintenance payments, the relevant legislation is the Family Law (Maintenance of Spouses and Children) Act, 1976, as amended. I understand that in proceedings under this legislation, maintenance can be awarded for the benefit of a child who is under the age of 18, or if the child is in full time education, under the age of 23. Any queries on this legislation should be directed to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law reform.