To ask the Minister of Education to detail how his Department is working with the Department for Employment and Learning; and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to develop a formal and holistic strategy for 14-19 year olds.

My Department’s policy on education for 14-19 year olds is to ensure our young people have access to economically relevant and individually engaging courses that have clear progression pathways for their future.

I have tasked my officials, working with officials in the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL), with producing a joint statement on the range of policies and programmes that the two Departments deliver to support young people in the 16-19 age group, including identifying any gaps and actions required. This age group is where Departmental policies naturally complement each other in terms of the choices open to young people once compulsory schooling is completed.