839. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress of discussions between a union (details supplied) and officials from his Department on the alignment of the Youthreach calendar year with the second level calendar year; if this decision will be finalised in the time left of this current administration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42624/24]

840. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he or his Department is continuing to engage with representatives from the Teachers Union of Ireland at the Workplace Relations Commission on alignment of the Youthreach calendar year with the second level calendar year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42693/24]

843. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he is aware that Department officials engaged with the Teachers Union of Ireland at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) on aligning the Youthreach programme with the second level school calendar year at their last discussion at the WRC in early June 2024; if there will be an outcome to the discussions within the lifetime of the current Dáil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42748/24]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 839, 840 and 843 together.

My officials are continuing to engage with TUI on this issue. I understand that the most recent engagement took place on 17th October. My Department is now in the process of agreeing a methodology that will further investigate the merits of changing the Youthreach calendar year.