Youth information work is now a widely recognised part of youth work in many European countries and there are currently over 7,000 youth information centres and points all over Europe.

Young people are growing up in a fast-changing and complex world where they are confronted with many choices, conflicts, challenges and pressures. Often they have to make decisions, some of which will shape the rest of their lives and in order to do this effectively, they need reliable information on the options available.

A Youth Information Centre, in the context of the education process, aims to empower young people to make informed and responsible decisions about all aspects of their lives. By providing fast and easy access to a wide range of information in an informal and supportive environment, the centres will enable young people to avail themselves of opportunities to develop their skills and abilities, to solve problems and actively participate in society at local, national and international level.

The right to information is a fundamental human right for all citizens and is recognised in a number of international agreements and conventions. It is important to ensure that information services are of a quality and standard which will allow young people to exercise that right.

Youth Information Centres consider informing young people as a means to an end, putting the emphasis on increasing their options, their participation, their responsibility and their autonomy.

The participation of young people must be encouraged and the Ministry is working to provide greater access to opportunities for them. Information is indispensable to develop active citizenship, and it continues to be an area from which young people expect a great deal.

The centre will be specifically designed to respond to the needs of young people, providing information on a wide range of subjects that is practical, pluralistic and accurate. It will operate in such a way as to provide maximum choice and to promotes the young person’s autonomy.

The centre, which will open its doors at the beginning of the next scholastic year, will provide information, advice and advocacy, support work and counselling.