Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 February 2026
260. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will address concerns raised in correspondence regarding the WALK PEER Programme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9120/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI want to thank the Deputy for raising this important matter.
Officials from my Department met with representatives of the WALK Peer Programme on the 22nd January to discuss the issues outlined in the correspondence attached.
I can confirm that following those discussions my Department has confirmed to WALK that the Department will provide the funding to cover the shortfall for 2026 to allow WALK Peer to complete the pilot programme.
I have also agreed to attend the launch of the PASTEL Report on the 4th March.
In relation to the Inter-departmental steering group on Transitions, I can confirm that the group recently met to agree a schedule of work which will include consideration of the recommendations and findings of the PASTEL Report and the evaluation of the Comprehensive Employment Strategy (CES) Transitions Pilot. These evaluations will inform the development of the new National Transitions Policy.
