Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy raised seven areas so I will have to work through them. The next one relates to the youth work budget. In November last year I came before the committee to speak about the budget and the challenges therein. There were extra budgetary demands from maintaining early years preschool and the range of child care services supported by the Department. Taking out that significant amount, there are few areas where savings can be made. I stated in the Dáil during the week that the fact we can maintain 90% of the youth services is important.

I understand the pressures on youth work and I opened the Edenderry youth café last night. In that case the community has come together, working with the voluntary and State bodies, as well as local businesses and the regional development authority. It is interesting to see what the agencies working together have been able to create by tapping sources other than government. They need support from the Government as well. I recently met representatives of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce, which is also very interested in supporting youth work. There is an idea of philanthropy in business and corporate social responsibility with regard to youth work, and workers have told me that those in a position to do so will look to those sectors for funding.