Síle de Valera (Clare, Fianna Fail)

It will be difficult in the time available to address all the issues raised very effectively by Senators. I thank Senators for their tremendous contributions. When we talk about youth affairs, we talk about the non-formal side of education. Given the type of consultation which took place prior to the enactment of the Youth Work Act and the national development plan, it is important we adhere to the legislation and ensure the plan is rolled out.

A number of Senators said young people can sometimes be stereotyped. One way to address that is to deal with those who work on a daily basis with youth organisations and who know the positive sides of youth and how best to address difficulties if they arise. That is why we must follow through with the framework we have in regard to these two documents.

We talk about the non-formal side of education because the formal side perhaps does not suit many young people. They are able to develop their personalities, skills and talents through the non-formal side of education and that is where the youth sector comes into play. It is important not only for the formation of the individual but for a cohesive society.

It was interesting to note Dáil na nÓg met in March, to which Senator Brady referred. The issues under discussion and which are important to young people were facilities, interculturalism and migration. Those issues show how Ireland has changed.

Although we are discussing the non-formal side of education, I would be willing to come back to the House to debate further and adult education. There is positive news in the areas of Youthreach, VTOS, Travellers and the work I am doing in regard to child provision for those sectors to allow them to follow through on courses. We have rolled out guidance initiatives throughout the country. There is an emphasis on upskilling given the importance of the knowledge-based economy and implementing the Lisbon Agenda and the Bologna process. I have been able to appoint 35 community education facilitators within the VECs, which is important. I would also like to mention the national qualifications framework. These integrated measures have an immediate effect on young people. I would like an opportunity to discuss this at a later stage.

The issues discussed today concern the need for young people to have an opportunity to express their views in a safe environment and this is why the Department has grant-aided youth services and special projects for disadvantaged youths. It administers the young people's facilities and services fund and the local youth club grant schemes. The national youth health programme is run in partnership with the National Youth Council of Ireland and it is considered very important in the Department. Any Senator who is interested and involved in the issues pertaining to young people will know that the national youth arts programme is very important in giving young people an opportunity to develop and express themselves.

The importance of Léargas and Gaisce were referred to. The Department has allocated an extra €2 million from the dormant accounts fund to improve the facilities of youth clubs. This goes to the very heart of the matter, as does the allocation of an additional €1 million for mainstreaming 24 projects under the young people's facilities and services fund.

The question of facilities was raised. It is very important that we afford young people opportunities in a very safe environment. Many young people are looking for facilities that have no connection with alcohol. There is one such facility in Galway and another in Clare and these models could be used in the future.

We want to consider the national recreation policy for youths between 13 and 18 years. This issue was raised and is very important. We are represented on the steering group by the Minister of State with responsibility for children. The school planning section of the Department is involved in discussions with a number of local authorities to make sites available for young people. It is a question of giving them a chance to enjoy themselves. We should be in a position to use as many facilities in situ as possible.

Senator Minihan should note that we have increased the number of recognised PLC places by 1,600 since 2005. We recognise the tremendous value of the PLC system and it is important we address matters that arise in this regard in light of discussions on the knowledge economy and inclusion.

Reference was made to the McIver report, the recommendations of which will cost €48 million to implement. The report refers to the need for 800 new teachers and it will have a knock-on effect in the education sector. A number of industrial relations issues need to be addressed in this regard. I asked my officials some time ago to have in-depth discussions with the Irish Vocational Education Association. These have taken place and the results will be made available to me, through my officials, in the next few days. I hope there will be an agreed way to move forward regarding the principles, ethos and practical implications of the report.

So much could be said on this subject. I thank the Cathaoirleach and Members of the Seanad for deciding to have this debate and for inviting me to address them this afternoon.