Youth policy and support for youth work
The Government had published its comprehensive youth and sport policy. Wyse questioned its support for professional youth leaders and premises; Bruton defended the resources and said the policy addressed training and facilities.
asked the Minister for Education if it is intended to publish the Government's comprehensive youth pollicy before 1st June, 1977.
Comment on this
I am glad the Parliamentary Secretary noted my question which was put down a fortnight ago and three days later the policy document was released. I hope it is not another gimmick——
Comment on this
I have already welcomed the policy document but I would like to ask the Parliamentary Secretary why sufficient emphasis was not placed on the employment of full-time professional youth leaders to train voluntary youth leaders? Why was emphasis not placed on the importance of having premises available as was pointed out at the time? Is he aware that Macra na Tuaithe in Cork city are anxious to employ an executive to promote their work? Why was money not made available in the policy document?
Comment on this
I think sufficient resources are being made available for the employment of full-time youth leaders given the general amount of money available. The whole idea of employing full-time youth leaders, as outlined in the policy is that they should act as a support to the adult voluntary worker and should not take over responsibility from him. As regards full-time youth workers, the Deputy will be aware that one of the major proposals in the document is the introduction of an in-service training scheme specifically for full-time youth workers. As regards the provision of buildings and so on, one of the powers given to vocational education committees under the terms of the proposal is that of providing assistance towards rental costs of a building which might be used by youth organisations and also towards the equipment of such buildings. This Government have given very dramatic increases, far in excess of increases in the cost of living and well in excess of increases given to some other youth organisations, to Macra na Tuaithe. We continue to take an interest in their work which is undoubtedly very valuable and discussions continue to take place between Macra na Tuaithe and the Government to see how best their programme can be advanced.
Comment on this
Is the Parliamentary Secretary taking into consideration the impact of inflation on the money he talks about as made available? Is he aware that youth work is only effective where there are premises available for drama, physical education and so on? We are talking here——
Comment on this
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there is an urgent need to make premises available to the various youth organisations?
Comment on this
The answer to the first part of the question is "Yes"; the answer to the second part is "Not always" and to the third part: "Yes, the Government are taking action in this direction in so far as is possible."