Marie Sherlock (Dublin Central, Labour)
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295. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the expected timeframe for a conclusion of discussions between a union (details supplied) and officials from his Department on the alignment of the Youthreach calendar with the second-level academic year calendar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4909/25]

Pádraig Rice (Cork South-Central, Social Democrats)
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297. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of discussions between a union and officials from his Department in respect of a matter related to academic calendar alignment (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5187/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 295 and 297 together.

As the Deputy is aware, Youthreach is designed to offer second-chance education to young people who are aged 16 to 20 and have either left school early or are at risk of not completing their formal education. It is designed to provide a more flexible, supportive, and alternative learning environment compared to post-primary schools, helping participants to gain qualifications and skills that will support their future employment or further education opportunities.

In relation to the TUI claim to align the Youthreach calendar with the second-level academic year, my officials are continuing to engage with the TUI on this issue. I understand that the most recent engagement took place in January. My officials are currently working on gathering the necessary information and analysis in respect of the claim, and they plan to submit recommendations to me for consideration in advance of the next academic year.