To ask the Minister of Education for his assessment of (i) the Youth Council for Northern Ireland’s contribution to the youth sector, (ii) the future of the Youth Council for Northern Ireland; and (iii) the evolving role of the Youth Council for Northern Ireland since it was formed.

Since it was established in 1990, the Youth Council has performed a range of statutory functions to support regional voluntary youth organisations as set out in the Youth Service (NI) Order 1989. These have included:

Advising the Department, Education and Library Boards (the Education Authority) and other bodies on the development of the youth service;

To encourage cross-community activity by the youth service;

To encourage the provision of facilities for the youth service and facilities which are especially beneficial to young persons; and

To encourage and assist the coordination and efficient use of the resources of the youth service.

The Youth Council has discharged its duties in a professional and effective manner throughout its 25 years and I acknowledge the dedication of its staff and Board, who have contributed greatly to the development of a vibrant and robust regional youth service who provide support to local youth groups.

As you will be aware, I am currently considering the responses to the recent public consultation held on the future of the Youth Council and I will be announcing my decision on the way forward shortly.