asked the Minister for Education when he intends to publish the Government's youth policy.

The Government's youth policy is as stated in their election manifesto. The elements of this policy which are the concern of my Department are currently being implemented. As the Deputy knows, a sports council has already been established and arrangements for the provision of a separate special section for youth within my Department are almost completed.

The Minister of State is directly charged with responsibility for this area, an area encompassing almost half our population, and it is high time a youth policy was produced and these measures being taken at the moment are merely adding to the actual delay in the implementation of the policy.

The Deputy is making a statement, not eliciting information.

I disagree with the Deputy. Contrary to the Deputy's implication that no policy has been produced, the policy is actually being implemented, which is the important thing, and in every day of every week since I took office I have had consultations and interviews with representatives of youth organisations and I have convinced them of the sincerity of my interest in youth generally. Within a very short time I shall be getting a report from a very special committee so that we can identify precisely—something that was never done before—the exact culture we are hoping to service in respect of youth organisations.

I do not doubt the Minister's sincerity in the area of youth and sport but could he define what he means by "a very short time"? Could he give us a date by which he will produce a comprehensive document covering the area under his authority?

I do not believe in taking refuge in comprehensive documents. I believe in doing the work and work is being done day by day and hour by hour. If the Deputy will indicate any special shortcomings I will be happy to have his assistance or the assistance of any other Deputy. The work is being done and that is the important thing.