To ask the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the opportunities available under the European Social Fund for young people who are not in education, employment or training to achieve GCSE, or equivalent, qualifications.

The European Social Fund (ESF) 2014-2020 programme objectives are to combat poverty; enhance social inclusion by reducing economic inactivity; and increase the skills base of those currently in work and future potential participants in the workforce.

The Programme is designed to reach those people furthest from the labour market, at risk of social exclusion, and young people from marginalised communities who require additional support. The Programme provides participants with a range of support including training, mentoring and pre-employment activities.

Decisions regarding the level of qualifications to be supported under ESF-funded projects were informed by a range of connected Departmental policy reviews, including the review of Youth Training.

Progression is a key component of the 2014-2020 ESF Programme. It is for this reason, that I took the decision to support provision up to Level 1 under the Programme. This means that individuals are enabled and encouraged to progress to Level 2 qualifications and above through other Departmental provision such as Further Education; Apprenticeships NI; or Steps to Success.

Account was also taken of the acute need to minimise duplication between programmes funded by my Department. This was particularly important within the context of the current budget constraints being faced by my Department.