Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 449: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure the protection of funding for youth services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38210/09]

Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware the youth work sector has received considerable financial support over the past number of years. Funding for youth services by the Youth Affairs Unit of my Department has expanded from €35.5 million in 2004 to €52.6 million in 2008. While this funding has allowed for some expansion in the sector, there has been a growing emphasis on consolidation of existing services. It is my intention that the 2009 Youth Affairs budget of over €48m will continue to focus on supporting existing youth programmes and services for young people including those with fewer opportunities. I wish to assure the Deputy that every effort will continue to be made to minimise the impact of any reduction in funding available to the youth sector and to preserve and maintain existing provision in so far as is possible.