asked the Minister for Education if this country is participating in the European Youth Programme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - European Youth Programme.
102.
Mr. R. Burke
If the Deputy is referring to youth developments within the EEC as a result of the recommendations made in The Hague communiqué of 1969, these recommendations have been proposed by the Commission of the European Communities who have in turn referred them to the Council of Ministers. They have not as yet been considered by the council.
The relevant developments are being kept under observation both in the Department of Education and the Department of Foreign Affairs and appropriate action will be taken as required.
The Council of Europe has, in recent years, set up two official organisations to deal with youth matters.
The European Youth Centre organises courses for international youth organisations and members of Irish Youth Organisations have participated in a number of these courses.
The European Youth Foundation finances youth projects which are European in character. Ireland's contribution to its 1973 budget was 0.5 per cent or 15,000 French francs.
Irish Youth Organisations are represented on the governing board of the foundation by a member of the National Youth Council of Ireland and on the governing board of the centre by the Committee of European National Youth Councils.
Could the Minister tell us—I am sure he has it in his brief—what is 0.5 per cent of 15,000 French francs.
Mr. R. Burke
Much as I would like to display mathematical expertise——
Is it not in his brief?
Mr. R. Burke
The Deputy can work that out for himself. I have many questions.
It is very little.