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

The need is absolutely growing in every part of my Department, whether it is youth services, early years, disability or integration and the needs of people fleeing to Ireland. The needs across all parts of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth are growing. I have, however, always prioritised increasing the budget for youth services because it is so important.

In response to Deputy Kerrane, we have not underfunded the new strategy. The new strategy will be central in advancing youth services in the next number of years. As I said, this is the largest increase in funding the sector has seen in the past five years. While I would always like to give more, as I would in all areas of my Department, as I said in response to Deputy Durkan, there is a real need across every part of my Department and we all have to work within an allocation. I look forward to continuing to work with NYCI, Foróige and all those who work in the sector with whom I have always had a good working relationship.

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