Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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689. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when the remaining sections of the Youth Work Act 2001 will come into effect; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37560/18]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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The Sections of the Youth Work Act 2001 not yet commenced are Sections 8 to 16, 19 to 23 and 25 to 37.

Since the enactment of the Youth Work Act, in 2001 there have been significant policy and legislative developments that are relevant to the provision of youth services. These include the publication of the Value for Money and Policy Review of Youth Funding Schemes, the National Youth Strategy 2015-2020 and the LGBTI+ National Youth Strategy.

The Value for Money and Policy Review made a number of recommendations for the future operation of the youth schemes and their development in the years ahead. One of the key recommendations was the development of a new evidence based and outcomes focussed scheme designed to secure the optimal outcomes for young people and their communities.

As the Deputy may be aware my Department is managing the most significant reform of youth services ever undertaken and work on the development of this new scheme is currently being prioritised by my Department.

In view of the significant changes which have occurred over the past seventeen years my Department will be revisiting the Youth Work Act 2001, on the conclusion of the reform process, to ensure that it fully articulates the needs of the young people of Ireland.