Vol. 574 No. 2
121 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on the progress to date in implementing the National Youth Work Development Plan 2003-2007; and his views on whether sufficient funding is available for its full implementation. [26592/03]
138 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans for the implementation of the National Youth Work Development Plan; if its implementation will be completed by 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26562/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 121 and 138 together.
The National Youth Work Development Plan 2003-2007 was published on 5 August 2003 following an extensive consultative process. It is intended that the plan will be implemented on a phased and prioritised basis as resources permit following agreement on financial provisions with the Minister for Finance.
The plan includes a significant number of proposed actions of which five have been identified by the national youth work advisory committee as priorities. These are: the commencement of a national programme for child protection training for the youth work sector; the appointment of an assessor of youth work; the establishment of a development unit for youth work; the establishment of a funding review body, and the setting up of a validation body for youth work training.
The commencement of a comprehensive child protection training programme for the youth work sector and the appointment of an assessor of youth work have been identified as priorities for year one of the plan and funding of €120,000 is available in 2003 towards these priorities.
The national youth work advisory committee identified the appointment of a project manager as an important first step in the commencement of a child protection training programme and the National Youth Council of Ireland is in the process of recruiting an appropriately qualified person to this post. Arrangements for the appointment of an assessor of youth work under the terms of the Youth Work Act 2001 are in train by my Department. Further consideration will be given to the remaining priorities and actions in the light of the financial provisions that are made available in 2004 and subsequent years.
