Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 June 2024
37. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide an update on the implementation of the targeted youth employability support Initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26076/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI secured funding in this year's budget to put the Targeted Youth Employability Support Initiative (TYESI) on a mainstream basis. The TYESI funds programmes and actions to support young people aged 15 to 24 years (inclusive) who are not in education, training and employment and not being reached by mainstream training/employment supports. The TYESI will provide community-based support and interventions to improve their soft skills, confidence and agency and to support their engagement in progression pathways including education, training and employment. The TYESI mainstream programme builds on the recommendations of the evaluation commissioned to review the previous scheme, 2021-2022, funded through Dormant Accounts, and will be delivered over mid-2024 to 2027.
Following an application process, funding of €1m has been approved for eighteen services in sixteen ETB areas. The TYESI will be delivered by youth services and organisations, supported by Education and Training Boards, providing wraparound support to enable young people to overcome significant barriers and challenges in their lives. Collaborative partnerships will be developed in each local area, ensuring that statutory, community and voluntary agencies, education and training providers and other relevant services will work together to enhance the opportunities for the young people. The services are currently being established in each of the eighteen areas and will commence over the summer months. Tailored training and support will be provided to youth workers directly supporting young people through the TYESI scheme. The scheme is intended to be complementary to the actions in support of the Department of Social Protection policy ‘Pathways to Work’.
