Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 October 2012
494. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if it is possible for youth groups in Belfast to register directly with the Presidents award Gaisce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41493/12]
View answerMembers of youth groups in Belfast who wish to avail of Gaisce -The President’s Award may register with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in Northern Ireland for the Joint Award Programme. On completion of the programme they can choose to have the Gaisce Award presented. This arrangement arises from an agreement under the umbrella of the International Award Association whereby a young person in Northern Ireland has a choice to pursue the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award or the Joint Award Programme. Both programmes are identical in content and process however the Joint Award Programme literature carries the brands of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Gaisce - The President’s Award and the International Award and the term The Award is used to describe the programme. Prior to the agreement the only option available to young people in Northern Ireland was to complete the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
