Síle de Valera (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I would like to thank Senator McHugh for having raised this issue on the Adjournment. As I have specific responsibility for youth affairs, this debate gives me an opportunity of outlining the position with regard to the Youth Work Act 2001.

This legislation was enacted on 1 December 2001 and provides a statutory basis for the development of youth work in Ireland. The Act followed a widespread consultation process and provides a legal framework for the provision of youth work programmes and services to be organised by the Minister for Education and Science, vocational education committees, and national and regional youth work organisations.