Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 127: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the process of the National Youth Work Advisory Committee recommendation for the establishment of a youth work development unit; the terms of reference, resourcing and so on; his views on other such specialised units; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39917/06]

Síle de Valera (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The National Youth Work Development Plan 2003-2007, which was prepared by the National Youth Work Advisory Committee (NYWAC) following an extensive consultation process, sets out four broad goals and proposes 50 actions to achieve these goals. These actions include the establishment of a Development Unit at national level to coordinate, manage and carry out research and to develop guidelines for best practice in youth work and assist youth work organisations to implement same. This initiative will be a key element in the development of youth work and is central to implementation of some 18 of the other actions proposed in the Plan.

Having considered the options for the establishment of the Unit proposed by the NYWAC, I approved the establishment of the Unit on a pilot basis within the National University of Ireland, Maynooth (NUIM). Discussions between my Department and the NUIM are ongoing on a number of matters including the drawing up a Memorandum of Agreement between my Department and the NUIM, the establishment of a Management Committee to oversee the management of the Unit, appropriate resourcing of the Unit (both human and financial) etc. The advice of other interest groups is also being considered. Terms of reference for the Unit will be developed by my Department in consultation with the relevant youth work interests. There is provision in the 2007 estimates to further develop this unit. In my view, this new Unit, in line with other such specialised units, has the potential to contribute significantly to the development of appropriate policies and initiatives that address the educational needs of our young people.