Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 July 2012
576 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason the time frame for the national youth framework has slipped from 2012 to 2013; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32346/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra577 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of times the international expert reference group and the task group establishedunder the auspices of the national youth work advisory committee have each met to date. [32347/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 576 and 577 together.
Work on the development of the Youth Policy Framework is underway in my Department. To inform the process, my Department has commissioned a review of international best practice in the field of youth development and support and this will be available shortly. The findings from this review will be explored by practitioners and managers of young people's services, academics, researchers and others at a symposium on Youth Development Outcomes planned for later this month.
Two working groups — an International Expert Reference Group and a National Youth Work Advisory Committee Task Group — are assisting my Department in developing the Youth Policy Framework. The International Expert Reference Group has met on three occasions. The Task Group has met once and both groups have met together jointly on one occasion to coordinate expert and stakeholder input into the draft findings of the international review.
The Deputy will be aware that the foundation for the Youth Policy Framework is in the Children's and Young People's Policy Framework. A public consultation on this Framework is underway at present. It is anticipated that the Children's and Young People's Policy Framework will be available in 2012. It is my intention that the Youth Policy Framework will be completed in the light of the Children's and Young People's Policy Framework and in particular in the light of the public consultation underway at present as well as the expert and youth services providers' input. I am also keen to ensure that youth policy developments at European level during Ireland's Presidency of the EU Council of Youth Ministers in 2013 will inform Ireland's national policy for young people.
