asked the Minister for Education if she will list the progress of the Government in implementing recommendations 13.3.11, 13.3.12 and 13.3.13 of the National Youth Policy Committee Report of 1984; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - National Youth Policy Committee Report.
190.
As the Deputy will be aware, recommendations 13.3.11 and 13.3.12 of the National Youth Policy Committee report of 1984 refer to the need for legislation placing a statutory duty on either the health boards or local authorities to provide residential facilities for young people. This would be a matter for the Department of Health and/or the Department of the Environment. In addition, part (iv) of recommendation 13.3.11 would be a matter for the Department of Social Welfare.
Recommendation 13.3.13, regarding the repeal of section IV of the Vagrancy Act 1824 would be a matter for the Department of Justice.
I am currently re-examining aspects of previous Government's youth policy with a view to ensuring a co-ordinated and cost-effective approach to the delivery of youth services. I can assure the Deputy, however, that the needs of the most vulnerable sections of our youth population, including the young homeless, will receive priority in the allocation of resources available to me.