Ciara Conway (Waterford, Labour)
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381. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will examine correspondence (details supplied); if she will examine alternative means of funding for Comhairlí na nÓg in counties where local authorities are merging including counties Waterford, Tipperary and Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10615/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Proposed mergers of local authorities will affect a number of Comhairle na nÓg around the country and I understand that my Department will be reviewing the current Comairle na nÓg structural configuration when the local government reform process has been finalised. While my Department has not yet taken a decision in this regard, however, I would expect that any merger of local structures would result in increased efficiencies and better use of resources.

Comhairlí na nÓg are a key national structure for the participation by children and young people in decision-making. On average, 30 young people participate in each Comhiarle na nÓg Committee, giving approximately 1,020 young people across the country the opportunity to actively work on behalf of their peers on an annual basis. I am aware that the young people in the Comhairle na nÓg in Waterford County, Waterford City, Tipperary North, Tipperary South, Limerick County and Limerick City have done excellent work on issues of real importance to young people, including mental health, sexual health, bullying and youth democracy.

As part of the Government's Local Government Reform Programme, a number of local authorities and subsidiary bodies are to be amalgamated. This will include Comhairlí na nÓg. My Department is reviewing the current Comhairlí na nÓg configuration in line with the local government reforms and I have further asked my Department to examine how best to support and facilitate any mergers of Comhairle na nÓg that will arise.