Vol. 471 No. 5
146 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Education the progress, if any, which has been made in relation to the establishment of a single representative body for the national voluntary youth organisations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21366/96]
The National Youth Council of Ireland already works on behalf of most voluntary youth organisations and there are 42 such organisations currently in membership of the council. I understand that the matter of a single representative body for all national voluntary youth organisations is the subject of ongoing discussions between the National Youth Federation, Foróige and the Catholic Youth Council — all three of which are currently not members of the National Youth Council of Ireland — and the National Youth Council of Ireland. As stated in the Education White Paper issued in April 1995, my Department considers that the clear articulation of the youth work needs of young people can best be facilitated through a single representative body. In addition, as also stated in the White Paper, my Department intends to secure the representation of national voluntary youth work organisations on the proposed National Youth Work Advisory Committee through nomination by a single representative body.
