Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 477: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her preferred options for the delivery of youth services with particular reference to identifying specific requirements of an urgent nature; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26318/11]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 478: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the extent, if any, to which an assessment has been done to identify modern requirements in terms of youth support services at local regional and national level with particular reference to meeting the emerging needs of the young population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26321/11]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 480: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the extent to which a co-ordinated youth support service exist throughout the country; her plans to address such issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26324/11]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 481: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans for a fully integrated and co-ordinated children and youth service throughout the country with particular reference to the necessary back up services required such as social workers and or those with responsibility to directly assist in cases of need; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26326/11]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 477, 478, 480 and 481 together.

As Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, I am committed to the development of a new youth policy framework which my Department is currently progressing. Through this work a clear policy framework will emerge that will aim to enhance the development, participation and support of young people.

I intend that the policy framework will also facilitate and promote co-ordination and coherence across departments and services and will set out the priorities, rationale and criteria for future funding programmes. It will also accommodate issues relevant to young people within the 10-24 age range in informal or out-of-school settings that fall within the remit of my Department. The overall aim will be to clarify and enhance coherence, connectivity, coordination and delivery in youth services and related out-of-schools services for young people and to ensure such provision is both quality and outcomes based.

As part of this approach my Department is in the process of commissioning a review of international best practice in the area of youth development and youth support. The findings from this work will inform my Department's policy objectives and future funding provision with the aim of ensuring that young people engaging in youth services derive maximum benefit.

One of my key aims for youth policy development will be to ensure optimum use of all the financial and human resources available. Accordingly, the development of my Department's policy in relation to young people will focus specifically on ensuring greater coherence, coordination and impact in youth policy and provision so as to ensure quality outcomes for all.