The Northern Ireland government is currently finalising plans to unveil a renewed, four year programme for the National Citizens Service (NCS) which will start in the summer.

A spokesperson from the Department of Social Development, the Northern Irish department with primary responsibility for the charity sector, confirmed that the scheme would be continued following pilots in the last three years.

“The National Citizen Service programme has grown in strength and is seen as a key personal development opportunity for young adults in Northern Ireland," a spokeswoman for the DSD said. "The DSD is committed to the NI NCS programme.”

Over 900 15 to 17-year-olds have come through the government’s flagship youth programme in Northern Ireland, since a pilot scheme was launched there in 2012. While the DSD would not provide exact costing figures for the new four year scheme, programmes in 2013 and 2014 cost the department over £800,000.

This statement came days after Rob Wilson, the minister for civil society, pledged continued governmental support to the NCS programme in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In response to a question from an East Londonderry MP, Wilson said: “the government is committed to giving as many young people as possible the chance to take part in this life-changing opportunity.

“My officials and I continue to work closely with the devolved administrations and following successful pilots of the programme the Northern Ireland minister for social development is developing a longer term plan for supporting NCS in Northern Ireland.”

The renewed NCS programme is currently undergoing economic appraisals.