§ Mr. McCuskerasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many new teaching posts have been 315W approved in Northern Ireland to cater for the extra work associated with the youth training programme; how many of these are likely to be filled by qualified teachers; and how many have been transferred from industry and commerce.
§ Mr. ScottAt 26 November 1982, 185 new teaching posts had been approved in Northern Ireland for the 1982–83 academic year to cater for the extra work associated with the youth training programme. Of the 136 teachers already appointed to these posts, 134 hold qualifications which entitle them to teach in institutions of further education and 53 have transferred directly from industry and commerce.
§ Sir John Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people have now been taken on under the youth training programme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Adam ButlerSince the programme started on 20 September, 6,761 young people have started full-time training on the youth training programme in Northern Ireland. At the present time there are still approximately 5,500 young people on youth opportunities programme schemes.
I am very encouraged by the response of young people to the programme to date, and I am confident that the Government will fulfil their guarantee to offer a place on the programme to all 16-year-old school leavers who did not enter employment after leaving school this year.