In line with the Youth Work Act 2001, invitations have been sought for the appointment of a new National Youth Work Advisory Committee (NYWAC). The Committee comprises 32 members representing voluntary and statutory youth work interests and a chairperson and most nominations have now been received. I expect to announce details of the membership of the Committee shortly. The NYWAC is an important structure in advising my Department on youth work policy issues and on matters of concern to young people. The Committee will hold its first meeting in the coming weeks to consider in the first instance its Terms of Reference; these will direct the work of the Committee and will have regard to my Department's priorities in youth policy development over the coming year.