asked the Minister for Education if it is now intended to implement the policy outlined in the White Paper entitled Policy for Youth and Sport; if moneys are to be allocated this year to VECs in this regard; and, if so, when.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Youth and Sport Policy.
15.
In relation to the first part of the question, I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Questions Nos. 21 to 26 of 22 November 1977 on this matter.
In reply to the second part of the question, a sum of £100,000 has been included in the 1978 Estimates for distribution among vocational education committees with approved proposals for youth and sport. The allocation of this money has not yet been divided but I anticipate that it will be allocated before the end of June.
Is the Minister of State aware that the VEC are most anxious to have some indication of the amount that may be available to them, and would he agree that not notifying them until June of the allocation for the entire financial year is far from satisfactory and would he endeavour to expedite notification of the amount to the VEC?
I am sorry if I misled the Deputy. I was hoping the moneys would be available before the end of June. Already the committees are being notified of the terms on which moneys might be available to them on the preparation of suitable programmes for youth and sport. I am hoping that replies will be received and it will be possible to adjudicate on the proposals and have the moneys apportioned before the end of June.
Would the Minister indicate the date on which the VEC's were notified?
They are being notified at the moment. They will receive a communication from the Department inside the next week.
But they have not yet been notified?
Not yet.
16.
asked the Minister for Education when he intends to publish the Government's youth policy.
The Government's youth policy is as stated in their election manifesto. The elements of this policy which are the concern of my Department are currently being implemented. As the Deputy knows, a sports council has already been established and arrangements for the provision of a separate special section for youth within my Department are almost completed.
The Minister of State is directly charged with responsibility for this area, an area encompassing almost half our population, and it is high time a youth policy was produced and these measures being taken at the moment are merely adding to the actual delay in the implementation of the policy.
The Deputy is making a statement, not eliciting information.
I disagree with the Deputy. Contrary to the Deputy's implication that no policy has been produced, the policy is actually being implemented, which is the important thing, and in every day of every week since I took office I have had consultations and interviews with representatives of youth organisations and I have convinced them of the sincerity of my interest in youth generally. Within a very short time I shall be getting a report from a very special committee so that we can identify precisely—something that was never done before—the exact culture we are hoping to service in respect of youth organisations.
I do not doubt the Minister's sincerity in the area of youth and sport but could he define what he means by "a very short time"? Could he give us a date by which he will produce a comprehensive document covering the area under his authority?
I do not believe in taking refuge in comprehensive documents. I believe in doing the work and work is being done day by day and hour by hour. If the Deputy will indicate any special shortcomings I will be happy to have his assistance or the assistance of any other Deputy. The work is being done and that is the important thing.