Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the 2% increase in funding in 2016. However, it is not enough. I look forward to the announcement next week on the provision of extra resources and supports for 15 to 25 year olds.

I draw the Minister's attention to the Indecon report of 2012 which estimated that for every €1 invested in youth work, the economic benefit to the State is €2.02. This helps to promote active citizenship and supports participation by young people in education and training. This investment also reduces long-term costs to the State in respect of health, justice and welfare services for young people, which is vitally important.

In County Kildare there are 77,832 people under 25 years of age, which is the highest youth population in the country. Kildare also has the highest birth rate in the country, yet it is the county in which investment in young people is the lowest. Does the Minister plan to increase funding for the various agencies and stakeholders that collaborate well together in terms of our vulnerable youth despite huge gaps in resources and funding?

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