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

Sporting activity has an important role to play in the development of young people and addressing many of their needs. The programmes offered by various Departments can collectively offer that kind of holistic response to the needs of young people. The infrastructure of youth services across the country that are funded by my Department includes the 30 national youth organisations, a significant number of local clubs and the youth function of the education and training boards. It works closely with agencies and local organisations, including many sporting bodies, on areas of mutual interest. I and my officials are always happy to engage with any organisation that is interested in our policy role.

At national level, my Department participates in an interdepartmental sports leadership group chaired by the Minister of State, Deputy Chambers, which oversees the implementation of the national sports policy. The Sports Action Plan 2021-23 published by the Minister of State, Deputy Chambers, in recent days includes actions to increase participation in sport by young people. One key action is the convening of a youth-centred stakeholder forum in early 2022. Youth organisations will be consulted as part of this process.

UBU: Your Place, Your Space is the main scheme for youth services funded by my Department. The scheme provides out-of-school supports to marginalised, disadvantaged or vulnerable young people to enable them to achieve their full potential. It recognises that youth services engage with young people through a wide range of activities that may include drama, music and sport, for example. In addition, there are some legacy sport-related supports that meet the criteria of UBU: Your Place, Your Space and they have continued to be funded on that basis. I am happy to continue to engage across Government on the issue of support for youth and sport, and my Department will always work collaboratively with youth organisations and agencies such as Sport Ireland to advance this.

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