Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

We did research with SpunOut.ielast year, which indicated that those young people who were engaging with youth services during the pandemic did better and their mental health and optimism were increased. I am aware of that and we have the research to prove the impact.

For many of these groups, fundraising, fees and capitation have been badly impacted. Even though we have been putting in more, they have been getting less from other areas. We have a small amount of money that was unspent in the Department for time-related reasons. We are looking to see if we can give, on a once-off basis, a little additional support to some of these groups in recognition of the major role they play. Although it is a once-off arrangement for this year, it is further acknowledgement by me and my Department of the major role these groups play and the importance of supporting them. It is not simply a matter of saying it but of delivering important resources as well.

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