asked the Minister for Education if he will give a progress report on the implementation of the national youth policy; and if he proposes to give the Dáil an opportunity to discuss the policy.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Youth Policy.
15.
In accordance with the provisions of the national youth policy, responsibility for implementation of the policy has been transferred, together with appropriate staff, from the Department of Labour to the Department of Education.
In line with the consultative status of the National Youth Council of Ireland, the council have recently submitted their comprehensive views on the implementation of the policy. Discussions have been held with a number of vocational education committees with a view to the establishment of local youth service boards. Additional funds have been made available in the current financial year in respect of youth affairs and in relation to capital grants for recreational facilities.
Arising out of the transfer of staff to the Department of Education and the resulting establishment of the nucleus of the community education and training division in the Department, the implementation of the policy will gather momentum over the coming months. I would anticipate, therefore, that the Dáil would be given the opportunity to discuss the policy in the next session.
I am delighted to hear that there will be an opportunity to discuss this matter next session. Since the Costello report was discussed in this House, there was concern that this report should be given equal attention. What progress other than that stated in the reply has been made in the implementation of this report? I accept that consultations are going on. Have any youth service boards being established to date? The Minister mentioned the allocation of additional finance for youth services. How much money has been expended to date on the implementation of the programme?
The setting up of the local youth service boards will be as envisaged in the report. None has yet been set up. Informal discussions have taken place with the CEOs in Dublin city and Waterford city regarding the recognition of Comhairle le Leas Óige and the Waterford youth committee as ad hoc boards, as envisaged in the document. Proposals have been submitted by VECs for each of the other urban areas indicated in the policy for the early establishment of ad hoc boards, that is, County Dublin, Dún Laoghaire, Cork city, Limerick city and Galway city. Further proposals have been received from other VECs and these are being examined. I hope to make an announcement at an early date about the establishment of the selected areas. There is also the question of capital grants for recreational facilities. The Deputy will be aware that a £2 million allocation has been made for the implementation of the youth policy this year and an announcement will be made in due course about its expenditure.
Is the Minister satisified that the criteria laid down can be met, for instance in the case of Comhairle Le Leas Óige?
I recognise that it is difficult to implement standards on a very broad scale which would be to the satisfaction of everyone, but I would hope that Comhairle Le Leas Óige would be properly structured as envisaged in the document.
Will extra funds be allocated to VECs who announce their willingness to take over the running of youth services within their areas? There is understandable anxiety among VECs who are strapped for cash and received admonishing letters last year about their budgets. They fear they will be left short this year. Will the Minister give extra money to the VECs to run these services?
The local youth service boards to be set up under the aegis of the VECs will receive appropriate funding.
Extra funding?
Yes.