Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 510: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the budget within his Department and other Departments for youth affairs in 2008; the proposed budget for 2009; the impact this will have on the provision of front-line services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38252/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The youth work sector has received unprecedented financial support over the past number of years. Youth services funding by the Department of Education and Science expanded from €35.5m in 2004 to €52.6m in 2008. While this funding has allowed for some expansion in the sector, there has been a growing emphasis on consolidation.

The 2009 budget allocation for youth services from the Department of Education and Science is €48.2m, a decrease of 8% on the 2008 figure. Funding is also provided for youth services from a number of other Government Departments and agencies. The reduced allocation in the youth budget from the Department of Education and Science will require much tighter budget management and prioritisation which may impact on pay and administration costs. Department officials have met with representatives of the youth sector to ascertain the sector's views on how best to minimise the impact of budgetary constraints next year with a view to consolidating, in so far as is practicable, the progress made in recent years.