Charlie O'Connor
Ceist:231 Mr. O'Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will give details regarding the youth programme of the Irish EU Presidency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4230/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 11 February 2004
Ceisteanna (169)
Freagraí scríofa
I am availing myself of the EU Presidency to further develop youth policy at home and to influence youth policy in Europe.
Progressing the EU Commission's White Paper, entitled A New Impetus for European Youth, is a priority for the youth agenda during the Presidency. I plan to hold a youth conference at ministerial level in County Clare from 4 to 6 March. While its overall theme reflects the youth Presidency priority of progressing the White Paper, it will focus particularly on two issues. These are young people and politics, a key dimension of youth participation, and the development of youth policy at EU level. Approximately 170 delegates are expected to attend the conference from both member states and accession countries.
At the January meeting of the Council of the European Union's youth working party, the Irish Presidency introduced a draft resolution on social inclusion with specific regard to young people. It will highlight their issues in many different areas of activity and concern. I intend to place this on the agenda of the EU Council of Education and Youth Ministers in May. A declaration on racism, violence and intolerance with regard to young people is also proposed for discussion at these meetings.
Léargas, the exchange bureau, is organising a meeting of the national agencies for the youth programme in Dublin in May. Its theme will be the development of youth policies in accordance with the EU White Paper on youth. The National Youth Council of Ireland will also be involved in a meeting of the European Youth Forum in Dublin in May.
In June, during the Presidency, a meeting of directors general of youth from all of the EU member states will take place in Dublin. The discussion will focus on the possible contents of a new youth programme and further advancement of the principles contained in the EU White Paper on youth. The youth working party will also have an informal meeting in Dublin in June.