Question:
12 Mr. Burke asked the Minister for Education and Science when he proposes to introduce the youth work amendment Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7505/98]
Written Answers. - Youth Work Legislation.
Michael D'Arcy
Question:16 Mr. D'Arcy asked the Minister for Education and Science the role, if any, the county VECs will have in the revised youth work Bill. [7498/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 16 together.
I aim to be in a position to publish the Youth Work (Amendment) Bill later this year. Work is now under way on the preparation of the heads of the Bill, which I hope to submit for the approval of the Government in late April.
The operation of the existing legislation in this sphere was predicated largely upon the establishment of the education boards planned by the last Government. It is now now proposed to establish education boards. I shall instead propose to the Government that the Youth Work (Amendment) Bill should provide that the vocational education committees will ensure the provision of youth work services within their functional areas.