Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 December 2025
1155. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to consider aligning the Youthreach calendar year with the second level calendar year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71365/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraBy way of background for the Deputy, Youthreach provides a two-year education and training pathway for young people who have left mainstream education with limited qualifications. The programme supports learners in gaining the skills, knowledge, and confidence to progress to further education, training, or employment. Certification is typically achieved at Levels 3 and 4 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).
In 2023, the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) requested that the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) recommence conciliation on a previously submitted claim that sought alignment of the 225-day Youthreach calendar with that of the post-primary school calendar. My Department has been engaging with the TUI on this and agreed on a structured approach to consider the proposal. As part of this process, officials have undertaken a comprehensive data collection exercise, consulted with key stakeholders, and analysed the data gathered. Officials are currently finalising a paper, which I expect to receive for consideration in the coming weeks. Given the significance of the proposed changes to the delivery of this important national programme, I am sure the Deputy will agree that, in considering TUI’s proposal, a thorough and evidence-informed process is essential.
