A minister has denied that lack of clarity on funding for a major youth initiative creates a credibility gap for the flagship project.

Ernest Peets, Minister for Youth, Culture and Sport, made the claim today as he appealed for members of the public to volunteer for a working group being formed to steer the programme.

The National Youth Policy is aimed at reducing antisocial behaviour and boosting potential for youngsters.

Asked what funding had been earmarked for the policy agenda first announced in the 2020 Throne Speech, the Minister said: “That particular number has not yet been determined.”

Pressed on whether that caused a creditability gap, Mr Peets said: “Absolutely not.”

The main goals for the policy include; minimising antisocial behaviour; keeping young people safe, boosting employment opportunities, and increasing sport and recreation outlets.

The Minister added: “Of course, right now, the first step going forward, is to actually get the working group up and running.

“We would like to get that done by February 2022.

“Once a working group is formalised and their terms of reference have been agreed upon then we could begin to gather specificity about what type of resources that they need.

“Once the working group is comprised they will be tasked with some deliverables, at that particular time they will be able to determine the nature of the resources they need based on the problems that need to be addressed.

“This working group is going to be tasked with actually making sure that all of those resources that are out there in the community, both private, public, are collated and working together in unison so that we can actually better support our youth.

“Most of the individuals who are working with youth are very dedicated and passionate.

“They are also willing to work with others to ensure that this particular policy is going to be realised.

“Based on what I have seen so far there has been a lot of interest, so, hopefully between now and December we will get a sufficient number of forms received.”