Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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33. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when the youth policy framework will be developed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47842/13]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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My Department is developing a new strategy for children and young people. In keeping with my Department's responsibilities for children and young people, this new five-year Children and Young People's Policy Framework is being developed in a holistic way which will comprehend the continuum of the life-course from infancy through to early and middle childhood, adolescence and early adulthood. It will be the overarching Framework under which policy and services for children and young people will be developed and implemented in the State. This overarching Framework will provide the basis for more detailed strategies including a new youth strategy.

It is envisaged that the new youth strategy will focus on ensuring greater coordination in policy and provision across government for young people aged 10 – 24 years. It will aim to:

- enhance the development, participation and support of young people in this age cohort;

- be responsive to current and emerging issues such as youth employment ; and

- provide greater coordination in youth provision and related services for young people across departments, agencies and the youth sector;

Work is under way in preparation for the development of the youth strategy. My Department has commissioned a review of international best practice to advance our understanding of the impact of youth services in the lives of children and young people. The conclusions of this study, the findings of the Growing Up in Ireland Study of my Department along with the other studies underway will inform the development of the strategy. The National Youth Work Advisory Committee, which includes representatives of national youth organisations, Government departments, the Education and Training Boards and other statutory agencies involved in youth matters, has a key role in advising my Department on issues to do with how youth work practice and services can advance key desired outcomes for young people's well-being that are central to the strategy. The strategy will further take account of the findings of the Value for Money and Policy Review of youth funding which is nearing completion in my Department.

The next stage in the development of the youth strategy will include a consultation process with stakeholders and young people. It is planned that the youth strategy will be substantially progressed for completion early in 2014.