THE cross-party assembly education committee has unanimously agreed to oppose the abolition of the Youth Council.
The Department for Education has concluded a consultation on the council's dissolution, arguing it is inefficient and its functions should be transferred.
In the consultation document, the department said the creation of the Education Authority (EA) meant there were now two organisations delivering youth services - the EA and Youth Council.
The Youth Council, which receives about £4 million a year in funding, was meant to be subsumed into the shelved ESA.
The consultation exercise pointed out that the reduced Executive budget meant a knock-on for education services adding it was "simply impossible to protect everything".
The Youth Council works to advise the Department of Education, EA and other bodies on the development of the youth service. This includes encouraging cross-community activity and advising on the training of part-time and full-time youth workers.
Two options were presented - the dissolution of the Youth Council alone or dissolution of the council "and protection of youth provision within the Education Authority".
A total of 50 responses, from 46 organisations and four individuals, were received. Minister John O'Dowd is yet to make a final decision.
In its response, the Youth Council said its role brought an added value to the youth sector compared to that of the Education Authority and suggested the minister defer any decision.
"The Youth Council would welcome the opportunity to take account of the minister's views following his consideration of the responses to the consultation, and to `reshape' itself as a slimmer, more cost effective body, which it believes still has a major unique role to play in delivering his vision for youth work," it said.
Education committee chairman Peter Weir said members believed that the department "has got this wrong".
"Over 100,000 children and young people are dependent on a wide range of different local youth organisations. Approximately 20,000 staff, most of whom are volunteers, provide and manage the administration of these crucial services," he said.
SDLP committee member Seán Rogers said there had been no measure of the effect on civic society if the council "goes to the wall".
"We must remember that children only receive 20 per cent of their education in school, the youth service reaches out to the most vulnerable and gives many a new start, including those who are disillusioned with school," he said.
