asked the Minister for Education what plans his Department have for encouraging and promoting youth clubs.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Youth Clubs.
52.
I feel that the role of my Department in this matter should consist of encouraging the appropriate voluntary bodies to set up such clubs. Accordingly, the Department gives assistance to youth clubs in the Dublin area through Comhairle le Leas Óige. In addition, the National Federation of Youth Clubs receives a grant-in-aid for organisational expenses. The National Youth Council also receives a grant-in-aid.
53.
asked the Minister for Education if he will consider setting up a voluntary committee to investigate the development of a national youth policy; and what plans he has for the promotion and encouragement of youths clubs.
Comhairle Naisiúnta na nÓg, the National Youth Council, is the co-ordinating body of the principal voluntary youth organisations in Ireland and is in receipt of a grant-in-aid from my Department. One of the objectives of An Chomhairle is "to afford youth organisations a recognised means of representation to Governmental, educational and other bodies". I do not think that there is any need for me to establish another committee with similar functions. I feel that the role of my Department in this matter of out of school education for young people should consist of encouraging the appropriate voluntary bodies.