Vol. 483 No. 6
501 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if it is his intention to provide for representation by the National Youth Council of Ireland on official delegations to relevant EU meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21460/97]
Youth organisations are formerly represented at an international level generally, and specifically in the European Union, by the European Youth Forum. The National Youth Council of Ireland is the Irish Member of the European Youth Forum. The National Youth Council of Ireland is the body recognised as representing voluntary youth work organisations in Ireland. This representative capacity will continue to be fully recognised at European Union and international level where relevant.
502 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if Ireland will be represented at ministerial level at the next meeting of EU Youth Ministers; if he will include a representative of the National Youth Council of Ireland in the delegation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21461/97]
Representation at meetings of EU Youth Ministers is of course a matter for the Minister of State with responsibility for Youth Affairs, Deputy Willie O'Dea. It is the intention, when circumstances allow, that Ireland be represented at ministerial level at these meetings. When this is not possible, representation is provided by Ireland's Permanent Representation at the EU. This is fully in accord with EU protocol. The issue of representation of the National Youth Council of Ireland does not arise. EU structures do not provide for such representation at formal meetings of Youth Ministers.
