asked the Minister for Labour if he accepts the widely held view that the Government performance for International Youth Year has been most disappointing.
Written Answers. - International Youth Year.
29.
Mr. Cowen
I do not accept the view expressed by the Deputy which is clearly based on a misapprehension of the Government's role in relation to International Youth Year. The position is that, in accordance with the guidelines of the United Nations which designated 1985 as International Youth Year, the Government established an independent national committee in January 1984 to plan, stimulate, co-ordinate and assist activities for the year. The committee has, with the generous support and commitment of many voluntary and statutory bodies, facilitated a varied and intensive programme of activities, events and initiatives undertaken by and on behalf of young people for International Youth Year.
The Government have strongly supported the national committee for International Youth Year in developing a nationwide programme for the year through the provision of £240,000 in direct financial support and full secretarial and administrative staffing and back-up services. Furthermore, local groups undertaking projects and initiatives for International Youth Year have received grants exceeding £450,000 in total through the Teamwork youth employment scheme operated by my Department.
International Youth Year ultimately depends on the support of the community for its success. It is not sufficient to ask what is being done for International Youth Year. All who are concerned about the situation of young people should ask what they themselves have done or are doing. I would urge them to make a special effort in these the closing months of International Youth Year to support all positive activities undertaken for and on behalf of young people.