Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he received a copy of the Being Young and Irish – Take Charge of Change report from the Office of the President, Áras an Uachtaráin as part of President Higgins series of seminars with young persons here which took place in Dublin, Galway, Monaghan and Cork in 2012; if he has noted the Take Charge of Change declaration made by the participants; the steps he has taken arising out of the report’s findings in order to achieve young person’s vision for Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14526/13]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Being Young and Irish was an initiative launched by President Higgins, the consultation process of which took place between May 25 and September 29, 2012. Young people aged 17-26 from across the country were invited to share their views on the future of Ireland. Arising from the consultation process, a report entitled ‘Take Charge of Change’ was produced.

I have received a copy of the Report. The main issues raised were employment, enterprise, social security, the economy, political reform, education, equality, health, community and civil society. An examination of the Report does not suggest any findings or recommendations which impact directly on my Department’s area of responsibility. Nevertheless, the Deputy can be assured that my Department will cooperate fully, where a relevant function arises in relation to any proposals in the Report which are being considered for implementation.

More generally, in relation to education, community and civil society enterprise, I would point the Deputy to a number of existing programmes under the aegis of my Department, which are relevant to progress in these areas. Examples from the Energy, Communications and Broadcasting areas would include the Better Energy: Communities programme, the Schools’ Broadband programme, the Sound and Vision fund operated by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, and the regeneration mandate of the Digital Hub in inner city Dublin.