asked the Minister for Labour the reasons one-third of the £150,000 allocated in the budget for International Youth Year activities was diverted to the privately promoted President's award scheme; if there were any consultations with youth groups before this decision was made; if he has received any representations from the National Youth Council on the decision and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - President's Award Scheme.
93.
Financial assistance is being made available towards the cost of launching the President's award scheme as it is a major initiative for International Youth Year. The assistance is being provided as a response to requests from the national committee for International Youth Year for additional funds for IYY activities. Youth organisations are fully represented on the national committee which made the requests.
I should explain that the President's award scheme is not a privately-promoted venture. It is a partnership of a kind which the Government is anxious to encourage between the State, the private sector and other interests, including youth organisations. I have kept the National Youth Council of Ireland fully informed of developments and the council is involved in the preparations for the award scheme.