Ulster Unionist MLA, Mike Nesbitt, is calling on the Department of Employment and Learning to urgently redirect the £20 million of Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA) that has been identified as making no difference to those students in receipt of the allowance.
The Strangford MLA was reacting to an answer by DEL Minister, Dr Stephen Farry, who told the NI Assembly that research by pwc consultants revealed that two thirds of those in receipt of EMA said it made no difference to their decision to remain in school or college.
Mike said:
"Two thirds of the EMA pot is some £20 million, and that is big money when you consider the number of young people not in education, employment or training. There is little point paying people to do what they were going to do anyway. With a little imagination, that money could be used to help the many members of the Federation of Small Businesses who have indicated a willingness to take on an apprentice to do just that and offer valuable work experience and a start on the employment ladder."