Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 April 2015
21. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 150 of 24 February 2015, if the stakeholder consultation process on the National Youth Strategy has now concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14461/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Youth Strategy will focus on the youth-related policy commitments outlined in Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures 2014 - 2020, the National Policy Framework for Children and Young People. It will be a universal strategy for all young people aged 10 to 24 years. It will have a particular focus on those who are most disadvantaged or at risk and who have the poorest outcomes and therefore in most need of support.
The National Youth Strategy is being developed in close consultation with statutory youth interests and the voluntary youth organisations and services that work with young people. A comprehensive consultation with youth stakeholders and young people on the priorities for the strategy has recently concluded. The consultations included an online survey aimed at young people (aged 10 to 24 years) and those working with young people. Some 3,800 young people and over 500 people working with young people (professionals and volunteers) responded to the online survey.
Consultation events at a national level involved 150 young people aged 15-18 years at a special forum in February 2015. Other consultation events were arranged for Government departments, statutory agencies, the youth sector, NGOs working with young people, Education and Training Boards, parents and teachers, business, academia, and young people aged over 18. These consultations will inform the priorities for the National Youth Strategy, to secure improved outcomes for young people.
My Department is working to finalise the new National Youth Strategy by early Summer.
