Youth forum debates overseas aid

Politicians are taking soundings from young people today on Ireland's overseas aid and development policy.

Minister of State for Overseas Development and Human Rights Conor Lenihan is at the National Youth Forum in Limerick - with representatives from other parties - to hear how young people feel about issues such as humanitarian relief, the environment and trade.

Mr Lenihan is also using the opportunity to visit the site of the new Irish Aid headquarters in the city.

Forum facilitator Conor Mulvihil said more than 100 young people from schools, youth clubs and third-level institutions in the south-west will be expressing their views.

"It's development and cooperation. EU and development is the theme," he remarked.

"People might not know this but the Department of Foreign Affairs section on Development Aid is coming to Limerick with the decentralisation in one or two years time. So it's particularly relevant that Limerick get this conference and the youth of Limerick should get involved."