Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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1029. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will report on her recent meeting with EU ministers to discuss the impact of Covid-19 on the youth sector; and the actions she will take to further support the sector. [9334/20]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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I attended an informal video conference of EU Ministers for Youth on the 19 May. At this meeting I communicated my intention to continue funding for youth organisations in Ireland throughout this crisis period.  I highlighted in particular how this funding would allow the continuation of targeted youth support to marginalised, disadvantaged and vulnerable young people.

In the present difficult circumstances, I have made my position clear that the funding provided to youth services across the country is both necessary and essential.  Funding to services, for youth clubs and to national youth organisations has been maintained. I secured €61.79 million in current funding for my Department's youth funding, an increase of €1.4 million on 2019. 

My officials have been in regular contact with national youth organisation and the Education and Training Boards to monitor the situation affecting youth services funded by my Department.  I applaud the many services that are delivering essential work in their communities and that have innovated and adapted to find new and different ways of engaging young persons.

Some organisations now find themselves in financial difficulty due to the ongoing crisis. My colleague the Minister for Rural and Community Development put in place a scheme using Dormant Accounts funding.  This comprises €35 million for a Covid-19 Stability Fund and €5 million as a commitment to a Philanthropy Fund, ‘Innovate Together’, to focus on projects that provide innovative and adaptive solutions to existing and emerging challenges.  

Finally, officials from my Department have been working with representatives from funded youth organisations to develop sector specific guidance consistent with the roadmap for the re-opening of services and companies that was published by the Government recently.