Mr. Christy McCann:

I am the chief scout of Scouting Ireland. As chief scout, president of Scouting Ireland and lead senior volunteer, I chair the national council and national management committee. I am responsible for co-ordinating the activities of Scouting Ireland. I am honoured to be invited here to speak on behalf of the members of Scouting Ireland.

Scouting is a worldwide movement of young people with a membership of 40 million in 160 countries and territories. Scouting Ireland represents 50,000 of these members across the island of Ireland, making it one of the largest youth organisations in the country. We are co-educational, non-denominational and non-political. We have proudly served the young people of Ireland for 110 years. Our programmes are as popular and as relevant as they have been for the past century. Our work in the development of young people is spread over 500 communities throughout the island. The aim of scouting is simply to create a better world.

Scouting is based on friendship, fun, challenge and adventure for young people. While Scouting Ireland is delivered in a fun and friendly environment a powerful educational method is at play in our programmes. Positive outcomes for young people include character building, leadership skills, self-awareness and a sense of personal responsibility. Scouting develops young people to enable them to become the leaders of tomorrow in the context of their lives and their communities. Scouting is about nurturing proactive and caring citizens. Academic research shows that scouts and former scouts are more likely to vote, to be politically engaged, to be in positions of leadership in the communities and to contribute to our society.

Scouting Ireland works in partnership with local communities. Our youth membership age ranges from six to 26 years of age. The members are supported by 12,000 volunteers. The staff is comprised of 35 full-time employees and is headed by our chief executive, John Lawlor. They support this volunteer-led organisation. I will now hand back to John Lawlor.