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

I have increased funding for youth services every year because I see its absolute centrality in allowing for meaningful interventions with some of the most vulnerable young people in society. I fully believe that every young person, irrespective of his or her background or where he or she comes from in our country, should have the option to engage in youth work if he or she so wishes.

We spend a huge amount of money in this country on sport and sporting investment for young people. While that is absolutely right, there is a large contingent for whom sports are not a particular option or interest. We need to meet the needs of those young people as well. We see that in the diversity of youth services. I have been in Huntstown in my own area where there is a Foróige sewing club. Twenty young people meet to repair garments. That is their thing. I am aware other youth services look at a whole range of different areas. The diversity in the sector is absolutely fantastic and something I have always supported verbally and financially.

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