Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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Question 519: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the timeframe for the youth policy framework; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13516/12]

Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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Question 520: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the engagement with the youth sector that is planned with regard to the youth policy framework; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13517/12]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 519 and 520 together.

My Department is currently developing an overarching Children and Youth Strategy 2012 – 2017 which will contain discrete, but complementary, strategies i.e. a Youth Policy Framework and a National Children's Strategy. It is expected that these will be published later in 2012.

Two working groups are currently assisting my Department in the development of the youth strategy i.e. an International Expert Reference Group, comprising national and international youth sector interests, is providing expert guidance and direction to the Youth Affairs Unit in the development of the Youth Policy Framework. In particular, the Group is providing impartial and independent advice concerning scientific, technical, conceptual and practical questions and issues. Secondly, a Task Group has been established under the auspices of the National Youth Work Advisory Committee to offer advice to that Committee and the Department on emerging developments and findings regarding youth work and related practices in the youth sector during the development phase of the Youth Policy Framework.

As part of the development of the Youth Policy Framework, my Department has commissioned a review of international best practice in the field of youth development and support. Building on the findings from this international literature review, my Department, with the assistance of the Centre for Effective Services, is organising a Symposium on Youth Development Outcomes in July 2012. The purpose of the Symposium will be to provide a forum for practitioners and managers of young people's services, academics, researchers and others to learn from three leading commentators in relation to specific topic areas, for participants to reflect on their own practice in light of the inputs from the international commentators, and for participants considerations to inform the development of the Youth Policy Framework. A further consultation process with youth interests including voluntary and statutory agencies and young people is also envisaged.