Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 November 2013
176. Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if the two Comhairle na nÓg's in County Waterford will remain equally funded after the amalgamation of Waterford City and County Councils; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49657/13]
View answerProposed mergers of local authorities will affect a number of Comhairle na nÓg around the country and I understand that my Department will be reviewing the current Comairle na nÓg structural configuration when the Waterford Local Government Reform process has been finalised. My Department has not yet taken a decision in this regard, however, I would expect that any merger of local structures would result in increased efficiencies and better use of resources.
In the meantime, excellent work is being undertaken in the area of mental health by the Comhairle na nÓg in both Waterford City and County. Waterford County Comhairle na nÓg was awarded the top award in the ‘All Island Pride of Place Award for Youth and Enterprise’ in Derry on 16 November 2013 for their Mind Matters video, which highlights the importance of positive mental health, and for development of a Cyber Code which young people can sign up to for safer cyber use. Over 4,000 secondary school students in the county have signed up to the code. I know that Waterford City Comhairle na nÓg is currently working on a project to promote positive mental health and civic pride through development of a mural featuring local heroes which is expected to be completed and launched in January 2014.
