Pauline Tully (Sinn Fein)

I suggest that we, as a committee, write to the Minister asking for an update on what is happening with the implementation plan. As I said, it is pointless launching a strategy and then, almost a year and a half later, still not having an implementation plan. The last strategy was not implemented in full either. That needs to be prevented this time. We need to see the strategy there.

It is alarming that the funding has not even recovered to pre-austerity levels. It was said funding was €100 million in 2008 but is only €85 million - I presume that is with inflation - today. We need to see proper funds across the board.

I visited a youth club in Clones with a physical space where young people could go and hang out. It is an excellent facility. Having said that, the building could do with improvements. The club says it is grasping and looking for funding. Is there no form of capital funding for new buildings or to restore buildings at the moment?