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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 2 Feb 1983

Vol. 339 No. 7

Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers - Youth Levy Scheme.

13.

asked the Minister for Labour if it is his intention to include sport under the youth levy scheme; if not, the reasons for his decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The Youth Employment Agency Act, 1981, provides that the youth employment levy shall be used to defray the expenditure of the Youth Employment Agency in the performance of its functions and such other expenditure in relation to the training and employment of young persons as the Minister for Labour may determine with the consent of the Minister for Finance.

The broad functions of the Youth Employment Agency as laid down in the Act are to establish, develop, extend, operate, assist, encourage, supervise, co-ordinate and integrate, either directly or indirectly, schemes for the training and employment of young persons, being principally persons over the age of 15 years and under the age of 25 years.

I am precluded by the legislation from using the levy for any other purpose.

The Deputy will be aware, however, of the benefit derived by sporting bodies and organisations from the construction and improvement of pavilions, playing fields and other facilities under youth employment and training schemes financed from the youth levy, particularly the temporary youth employment scheme and the community youth training programme.

Will the Minister agree that one of the problems regarding this scheme is that while there are jobs available for young people there does not appear to be any follow-up? A young boy may get employment for six or eight months but it does not tie in with what might be of benefit to him afterwards. Will the Minister consider the matter and ensure that there is some follow-up to the temporary employment that is provided for young people under the scheme?

That seems to be a separate question.

That aspect will be considered by my Department and also by the Youth Employment Agency but as the question referred to sport I am afraid that what the Deputy has mentioned does not arise.

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