Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State for her reply. While she stated she is satisfied with progress, this answer is almost identical to that given this time last year and I do not consider that to constitute progress. I am disappointed to tell her this, but I have last year's reply to hand. The only difference relates to the establishment of a development fund for youth work organisations. A sum of €300,000 was allocated for this purpose last year and there is talk of allocating the same amount this year.

I find this disappointing. While I do not know who is to blame for this, youth work and young people are being neglected. After years in preparation, this development plan was supposed to be the mechanism which would provide the money. Members were told it would cost approximately €37 million, to be divided over five years. However, nothing approaching that sum has been spent. Youth services need money and young people need money.

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