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Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 April 2021

Wednesday, 28 April 2021

Questions (724)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

724. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the status of the commitment in the Programme for Government to develop a new youth strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22164/21]

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Written answers

The Programme for Government commitment referred to by the Deputy sets out that the Government will develop mechanisms, through a new youth strategy, for the voice and views of young people to be part of decision-making at community, county and national levels.

Promoting and ensuring the participation of young people at all levels of decision-making is a key priority for my Department, in line with the National Strategy on Children and Young People's Participation in Decision-Making. Earlier this month, I launched a new National Framework for Children and Young People’s Participation in Decision-Making to support government departments, agencies and organisations to improve their participation practice with children and young people. I was delighted to see that the launch event was attended by representative of national, regional and local organisations including, for example, a number of government departments, Local Authorities, health services, and youth organisation.

I have also announced a Capacity Building Grant to support implementation of the Framework.

The production of a renewed youth strategy is a strategic action of my Department’s Statement of Strategy 2021 – 2023. Covid has resulted in our finite resources having to be prioritised for pressing needs and some previously planned pieces of work have had to be delayed. The current National Youth Strategy, which was due to be replaced in recent months, continues to provide an overarching framework for the development of cross-government and cross-sectoral policy and service provision relating to young people aged 10 to 24. Its aim is to enable all young people to realise their maximum potential, by respecting their rights and hearing their voices, while protecting and supporting them as they transition from childhood to adulthood.

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