John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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708. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of new youth projects that commenced in 2017, 2018 and to date in 2019 under the young persons facilities and services fund; the location of the projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29810/19]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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The Deputy’s question refers to new youth projects set up under the young persons facilities and services fund (YPFSF 1 and 2) for the years 2017 to 2019.  No new services were set up under this funding in that period. 

However, as the Deputy may be aware, my Department is managing the most significant reform of youth services ever undertaken. This reform is informed by the Value for Money and Policy Review (VFMPR) of the Youth Funding Programmes 2014.  The VFMPR of the Youth Funding Programmes 2014 examined three of the targeted funding schemes, the Young People’s Facilities and Services Fund, the Special Projects for Youth (SPY) scheme and Local Drug Task Force projects scheme.  Overall, the review found that the youth programmes can provide a significant contribution to improving outcomes for young people and should be considered for on-going public funding. The review made a number of recommendations for the future operation of the youth schemes and their development in the years ahead to ensure an evidence-based and outcomes focussed programme designed to secure the optimal outcomes for young people. The review recommended the development of a single targeted youth funding programme to replace the current schemes.

To facilitate the review’s recommendations regarding the future development of a single targeted youth funding programme to replace the current schemes, I approved funding allocations for the establishment of several sample projects in 2016 and 2017.

There are now 23 such sample projects approved since 2016, of which 21 were operational in 2018 and a further two are to commence in 2019. Of the 23 projects, seven have involved the augmentation of existing projects to respond to identified needs.

I am circulating a set of tables with details of the 23 sample projects, by year of first approval.

In determining the sample projects for funding, my Department has worked closely with the 16 Education and Training Boards, all of which were invited to nominate locations within their catchment areas for new and augmented projects.

The 23 sample projects fall within ten of the ETB areas. The remaining six ETBs are currently involved in a process to identify the local needs of young people in these areas, with a view to submitting applications for new or augmented services in 2019.

In advance of the introduction of a new single targeted funding scheme in 2020, a transition phase in 2019 will see the funding previously provided under four funding programmes, (Special Projects for Youth, Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund 1&2, Local Drugs Task Force Projects and Youth Information Centres) collapsed into one funding stream for 2019 to assist with preparations for the new scheme in 2020.

I believe that the reformed system will bring substantial benefits to our young people, and my Department will continue with this important work.

New Sample Projects approved 2016

Augmented Projects approved 2017

New Sample Projects approved 2017