Gaisce Awards

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 October 2012

Tuesday, 23 October 2012

Questions (577)

Gerry Adams

Question:

577. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 494 of 20 October 2012, if she will consider developing a mechanism which would allow youth groups from Northern Ireland to register directly with the President's Award Gaisce rather than having to register with the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme in view of the fact that many from a nationalist background may have difficulties with the symbols of the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46330/12]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

The President's Award - Gaisce is the National Challenge Award from the President of Ireland to the young people of Ireland (15 to 25 years of age). Gaisce is a member of the International Award Association which comprises 121 countries world wide. The purpose of the Award is to encourage young people to set and achieve a demanding challenge for themselves in a non-competitive environment.

As previously advised to the Deputy, an agreement is in place whereby young people in Northern Ireland, who wish to avail of Gaisce – the President’s Award may register with the Duke of Edinburgh Award in Northern Ireland for the Joint Award Programme but may choose, on completion of the programme, to have the Gaisce Award presented. I have requested the Council of Gaisce to explore what would be involved in developing a mechanism which would allow youth groups from Northern Ireland to register directly with the Gaisce President’s Award and whether or not it would be facilitated within the rules of the International Award Association. I will revert to the Deputy when the Council completes its deliberations.

Question No. 578 answered with Question No. 573.