Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 October 2011
427 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the considerable concern regarding the proposal by the EU Commission to abolish the Youth In Action programme from 2014; her view and her position when this proposal was made at the Council of Education Ministers and in discussions with the Commission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28211/11]
View answerThe EU Commission in its communication "A budget for Europe 2020" has proposed a single programme for education, training and youth — "Education Europe" — under the multi-annual financial framework (2014-2020). The proposed programme will focus on providing targeted transnational learning opportunities, matching skills and labour market demand, strengthening volunteering as well as non-formal and informal learning and supporting reform and modernisation in education and training. The Commission's proposals have been the subject of discussion at Youth Working party meetings and at the recent Directors General meeting in Warsaw.
At these meetings, my Department has indicated that while we understand the Commission's approach and the merits of a single streamlined programme, our priority would be for a specifically designated budget and related programme for the youth sector. The Commission's detailed proposals for the programme are expected in November.
428 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the areas in County Kildare at which the Health Service Executive is assisting in delivering the lifestart programme; if funding for the provision of the programme was sought in Naas; the reason same was refused if funding was sought; and if she will review again the provision of the programme in Naas, County Kildare [28479/11]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
