Good afternoon ladies, gentlemen and young people.  I would like to thank the trustees of the Gerry Rogan Initiative Trust for inviting me to this celebration of the first Residential Programme.

It was important for me to make time for this celebration in this, the first week of my new role as Minister for the Department for Social Development, to recognise the importance of this initiative and the contribution it has made to the lives of many young people.

I wish to echo all of the sentiments expressed by Denis Rooney in his speech – the positive outcomes of this initiative cannot be fully measured by statistics but are, and will become, ever more apparent through the stories of the young people’s lives. We have heard some such experiences from Arryol and Alice.

GRIT has played a vital role in providing support to young people to help them realise their potential in all aspects of life, whilst developing the ethos of shared communities where people wish to learn, live and work together.

Through Neighbourhood Renewal, my Department recognises the importance of community, economic and social renewal.  Young people play an essential part in this renewal process. You are the future. Society can only truly grow and develop when we harness the energy and enthusiasm of youth.

I wish to congratulate all the young people who have participated in the GRIT Residential Experience and I know that this has been a valuable experience and one that each of you has embraced as you work out your next steps. GRIT is all about helping young people access their capabilities and I can scarcely think of a better investment for the future.

I would also like to pay tribute to the dedication of the GRIT Board and Opportunity Youth. Quite simply without their effort, this initiative would not have happened.

I did not have the pleasure of meeting Gerry Rogan  but by all accounts he was a very special and committed man who had a real passion for helping young people to maximise their lives.

My Department has worked in partnership with the International Fund for Ireland to support the GRIT Residential Experience and we acknowledge the importance of this collaborative approach.  Continuing support from my Department, again in partnership with IFI, will help enable the Residential Experience to continue to benefit a further 144 young people.

I wish to thank you once again for inviting me to share in this event and I wish you every success in your future endeavours.

Thank you.