Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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510. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of a new building for an adult education centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13033/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, Youthreach is a vital programme, designed to support young people who have left school early. It provides integrated education, training, and work experience, focusing on personal development, literacy, numeracy, and vocational skills. It stands as a lifeline for many, offering a second chance to build a brighter future.

It has a strong emphasis on personal development; basic skills training, including the core skills of literacy/numeracy, communications and IT, along with a choice of vocational options and a work experience programme.

Cork Education and Training Board (CETB) currently runs a Youthreach Centre in Macroom, which provides services for approximately 40 learners from a wide geographic area.

The lease on the building currently used as their Youthreach centre has expired. Despite ongoing efforts, a new agreement with the landlord has not been reached. Property searches for alternative lease buildings have not been successful. For now, an interim arrangement is in place, but the building is in poor condition. A primary objective for CETB and my Department is to ensure a suitable learning environment for learners that meets environmental standards, fosters an effective learning experience and serves all learners in the community.

SOLAS are supporting CETB in seeking to develop a facility in Macroom to enable continuation of delivery of Youthreach services and potentially expand Further Education and Training delivery in areas of adult education. Discussions with a prospective landlord are in progress.

However, as the Deputy will fully appreciate, all parties involved must complete due diligence to ensure that several considerations including value for money and assessment of needs are addressed as part of this process.

In terms of next steps, once negotiations with the prospective landlord have concluded, CETB must apply to the Department for ministerial sanction for a lease in line with section 53 of the Education and Training Board Act, 2013.