Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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1242. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the funding that is available to the Youthreach programme to provide counselling for its clients with mental health issues and dual diagnosis; and the way that they can avail of such supports. [39071/21]

Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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Youthreach is part of a national programme of second-chance education and training designed for early school leavers. The aim of the programme is to help young people in the 16/21 age group to make the transition from school to work through the provision of co-ordinated foundation training, education and work experience. The programme includes a considerable amount of personal development and exploration, where participants needs, interests and capacities are fully taken into account. There is also a strong emphasis on the core skills of literacy/numeracy, communications and IT, along with a choice of vocational options and a work experience programme. The programme offers participants the opportunity to identify and pursue viable options within adult life, provides them with opportunities to acquire certification, and includes a work experience element to prepare participants for progression on to further study, training or working life.

Funding is not allocated separately to provide counselling for clients with mental health issues and dual diagnosis. The cost of such services, where required, would be comprehended under the funding allocated to Youthreach for Guidance, Counselling and Psychological services. The initial amount allocated for these purposes in 2021 is €1,209,812.

Where Youthreach learners require supports of this nature, they should in the first instance liaise with staff in their Youthreach centre.