To ask the Minister of Education whether his Department has carried out any assessment of (i) the report entitled Young people and work: interim report; and (ii) the connected report entitled Inside the mind of a young NEET, A story of resilience, untapped potential - and a system with too many snakes and not enough ladders.

This report highlights a number of important issues, not only for education but for the Executive and wider society. It explores how we engage with our young people through education at school, at further education and beyond. It also reflects the need for young people to be able to access a range of services including health and social services.

It is vital that we support as many young people as possible to attain educational outcomes that will enable them to access opportunities in our emerging labour market. Through TransformED, I am making changes to the Northern Ireland Curriculum and to qualifications that will strengthen the development of young people’s knowledge, skills and capabilities so that they are able to progress into further or higher education, training or employment.

Ongoing participation in education and training and higher levels of attainment directly impact on young people’s future life chances. As recommended in the Independent Review of Education, I have brought forward draft legislation to the Executive which will require young people to remain in education or training until age 18. The intent of the proposed Bill is to ensure that all young people continue learning whether in school, a further education college, an apprenticeship or employment alongside education or training. This will provide additional opportunities for young people to achieve higher levels of study and to realise the benefits of this both personally and for our economy.