Ireland's EU Presidency to focus on supporting youth employment

Date: 29th January 2013
Category: Respect for the views of the child

Frances Fitzgerald TD, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs has said that Ireland's Presidency of the EU Council of Youth Ministers will focus on the role of youth work in supporting youth employment and the importance of quality standards in youth work.

From 1 January 2013 to 30 June 2013, Ireland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. This will be the seventh time that Ireland has undertaken this important role. On this occasion, it also coincides with the fortieth anniversary of Ireland's membership of the EU.

The Minister announced that Dublin will host a major EU Youth Conference which will mark the culmination of an ongoing EU-wide consultation with young people. Minister Fitzgerald stated: "Ireland's EU Presidency Programme which was launched this week focuses on stability, jobs and growth and this includes a priority objective on tackling youth unemployment.