§ Lord Bleaseasked Her Majesty's Government:
What are the implications for the development of community workshops in Northern Ireland arising from the retrenchment measures in the Youth Training Programme proposed in the "Principles Paper" issued in July by the DED(NI) and the DENI; and in particular what are the projections concerning (a) provision of an adequate number of training places; (b) methods for evaluating the quality of training relevant to the differing needs of the young unemployed that may enhance their employment prospects; (c) the composition and role of management of the proposed new five levels of funding and the procedures and criteria for selection, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of delivery of suitable training.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Northern Ireland Office (Lord Skelmersdale)The new arrangements for the delivery and funding of the Youth Training Programme are designed to enhance the quality of training and the cost-effectiveness of the programme. Community workshops, like other providers, will have a full role within the programme provided that they meet the criteria specified in the paper entitledNew Approach to Delivering and Funding the Youth Training Programme which was published in June this year.
As regards the specific points in the question, the position is as follows:
- (a) I am satisfied that there will be sufficient places for all young people who seek one. Based upon the uptake of places this year, it is envisaged that some 14,000 will be required in 1990/91.
933 - (b) A Quality Assurance Manual is being developed which will set out the means by which a quality training programme can be devised and delivered. In essence quality will be evaluated by examining the extent to which each organisation fulfills the quality criteria specified for Recognised Training Organisations, and by analysing training inputs and outcomes. The operation of the programme will be monitored by the Department of Economic Development's administrative and technical staff and the Education and Training Inspectorate.
- (c) Careers Officers will be responsible for assessing the level of funding appropriate to each young person through a combination, where appropriate, of tests, interviews and feedback from schools. It is not possible at this stage to indicate the number of trainees likely to attract each of the five levels of funding; this can only be determined when those young people who will actually be part of the programme next year come forward for assessment.
§ Lord Bleaseasked Her Majesty's Government:
What arrangements have the respective Northern Ireland Departmental Ministers made for an early meeting with the representatives of the Northern Ireland Association of Community Workshops to discuss the new arrangements for delivery and funding of the YTP.
§ Lord SkelmersdaleMy honourable friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary with special responsibility for these matters has very recently received a request to meet with representatives of the Northern Ireland Association of Community Workshops and he will be responding shortly.