Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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229. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the total Irish contribution to the European Solidarity Corps; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19560/18]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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The European Solidarity Corps aims at enhancing the engagement of young people and organisations in solidarity activities which are of high quality and accessible to all young people, as a means to contribute to strengthening cohesion and solidarity in Europe, supporting communities and responding to unmet societal needs. A regulation for implementation of the European Solidarity Corps is currently under discussion at EU level, the first trilogue took place on 24 April 2018.

Ireland has contributed to the development of the European Solidarity Corps through its work in the Youth Working Party and continuing engagement with other member states. I was delighted to agree, along with my colleagues in the Council of Ministers, the General Approach which forms the basis of discussions with the Parliament. During these discussions a number of aspects will be agreed including the budget for the programme. Therefore the total Irish contribution to the European Solidarity Corps is not yet available.