Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 February 2006
436 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the report, Inequality and the Stereotyping of Young People, published by the National Youth Council of Ireland, in particular, its call for investment in new and improved resources for young people. [8022/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe report, Inequality and the Stereotyping of Young People, published on 22 February 2006 by the Equality Authority and the National Youth Council of Ireland, is a valuable piece of research which I welcome. This report provides a valuable insight into how young people see their relationships wit, inter alia, the Garda, teachers, politicians and the media. The research centres on ten focus groups of young people from different parts of the country, including young people with different identities and circumstances, and provides an insight into young people’s views on how they are perceived by adults.
The report sets out a number of recommendations which it considers would help to address and reduce these inequalities and stereotypical perceptions. The recommendations include a suggestion that vocational education committees, VECs, should be provided with resources necessary to carry out the functions set out for them in the Youth Work Act 2001. These functions include an assessment of the youth work needs of young people. These recommendations are consistent with my objectives for the youth work sector. In this regard, I am pleased to say that the additional allocation provided in the Revised Estimates published last week will allow for the further progression of the Youth Work Act 2001, including the resourcing of VECs, as well as other priority areas of development.
