Presentation to Oireachtas Health and Children Committee on work of National Youth

Council of Ireland James O’Leary President and

James Doorley, Deputy Director

May 29th 2014

Introduction National Youth Council of Ireland is representative

body of voluntary youth organisations NYCI's vision “is one where all young persons are

empowered to develop the skills and confidence to fully participate as active citizens in an inclusive society”

48 member organisations working in every community

40,000 volunteers & 1,400 full time staff 382,000 young people aged 10-24 participating in

the services and activities of our membersNYCI led by voluntary board with 19 full & part

time staff

Our Work Representing the interests and supporting the

work of voluntary youth work organisations Promoting the value of youth work and non-formal education

in the lives of young people Undertaking research and analysis of the role and contribution

of youth work services in Ireland-e.g. Indecon report Bringing a collective voice to Government on practice and

policy issues-through NYWAC, policy, budget issues Enhancing youth work practice through providing training for

youth leaders, youth workers & organisations Promoting and supporting the implementation of the National

Quality Standards Framework Operating the Child Protection Protection in youth sector

Our Work Uses it collective experience to act on issues affecting

young people Youth unemployment-working with young jobseekers/members to

propose solutions-Early promoters of youth guarantee Alcohol misuse-members of Govt committee-supported action on

price, promotion and availability of alcohol Emigration-exploring experience of young emigrants and

promoting strategy to prepare for return migration. Youth mental advocating for implementation of “A Vision for

Change” support for suicide awareness & positive mental health Equality-legislative change to include young people under 18 in

equality act & measures to tackle racism and discrimination Active Citizenship-promoted participation of young people in

democratic life-just finished our “Promote the Vote” Campaign for local and European elections.

Brighter Outcomes, Better Futures Acknowledge legacy of Minister Fitzgerald and look

forward to working with Minister Flanagan. Welcome publication of new National Policy

Framework for Children and Young PeopleWelcome commitment by DCYA to develop a

distinct Youth Strategy based on this document1st time we have had dedicated youth strategyVery important because all independent analysis

from NESC, OECD tell us children & young people have suffered most during recession

Important to have vision and plans-but if these are to make a difference need political will & resources

Youth Work Youth sector working with up 382,000 young people

aged 10-24-that’s 43.3% of age cohortIreland has highest % in EU of young people

participating in youth club/organisations 53.3% socially or economically disadvantaged40,000 volunteers and 1,400 full & part time staffIndecon found that for every €1 invested state saves

€2.22-prudent estimate Youth Sector suffered disproportionate cuts from

2008-2014 from €73.1m to €49.78m or 31.8% Severe impact on services and supports to date-

really concerned at impact of further cuts to services

Youth Employment Working on issue since start of economic crisisConsulted with young jobseekers, held

conferences, produced two reports. From 2010 promoted youth guarantee Welcome progress towards implementation of YG in

2013-Concerned at pace of implementation since90% of the jobs created last year were for people

with 3rd level-need to address needs of LTU30,000 young people aged 18-25 on live register for

12 months or more-high priorityNeed to focus not only on quantity of opportunities-

but also quality

Alcohol Misuse Young people starting to drink at earlier age, more

frequently and higher strength productsHigh levels of binge drinking have immediate

negative impact & do long term damage. In 2009 we produced a report showing impact of

alcohol advertising on young people Participated in National Substance Misuse Strategy

Group-support proposals to introduce minimim price, restrict advertising availability of alcohol.

International evidence suggests that these would reduce harmful drinking among young people

Concerned at slow pace of implementation.