James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The issue of inter-generational poverty is a source of serious concern for the Government and my Department, in particular. The Deputy is correct that it is not just about money. My Department also provides funding for supports targeted at disadvantaged, marginalised and at-risk young people through the three schemes to which I referred. There are other programmes such as the special projects for youth scheme, the young people's facilities and services fund and the local drugs task force projects. In addition, national and regional youth work organisations are supported under my Department's youth service grants scheme. In 2014 current funding of €49.78 million has been provided by my Department for these schemes. I am pleased to advise that budget 2015 has confirmed that this funding of €49.78 million will not be reduced and that the same sum will be available in 2015. The Deputy's point is well made. I express my gratitude to the fantastic volunteers who work with young people, the tens of thousands of youth volunteers who support youth work in the community. The money we spend is money well spent in that it provides significant gains for communities and society.

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