Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcomed the increase. I will be honest: I was critical and stand over my criticism of the lack of funding for early years but I welcome the money that was invested for youth. It is a sector that got a bit forgotten about during Covid. I know people involved and who work in the sector did their best to reach out to young people and include them. There is a huge number of young people interested and involved in sport but there is also a huge number of people who are not. I always feel that the drama and other groups sometimes get pushed to the margins. I refer to the work, for example, of Young Irish Film Makers, of whom I am sure the Minister is aware. We have an excellent Young Irish Film Makers in Kilkenny that does amazing work. My children are involved in it. I have a child coming into the teenage years and the difference is incredible. They need emotional supports at that age and the lockdown and Covid was difficult on them. It is important we ensure that they are part of the recovery. We hear a lot of talk about economic recovery but it is important for our young people that they are not forgotten about.

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