Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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554. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if increased investment will be provided to youth work services in budget 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28645/20]

Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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555. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the measures he will take in budget 2021 to implement the commitment in the Programme for Government to continue to invest in youth work recognising its value in preventing harm and in responding to the needs of vulnerable families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28646/20]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 554 and 555 together.

The allocations under Budget 2021 are being considered by Government in the context of the annual Estimates process for 2021. As this process is ongoing, the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment at this stage.

In recent years, funding for the provision of youth services has increased on an annual basis. Between 2016 and 2020 the annual current youth funding available to my Department has increased from €51.9m to €61.79.

It is now more critical than ever that our young people are supported as they experience the social, economic, physical and mental health impacts of the pandemic. In recognition of the vital role played by youth work in providing such support to young people, funding levels have been maintained throughout the current challenging period. This has enabled the youth sector to continue to provide supports to young people, particularly to marginalised, disadvantaged and vulnerable young people.

I am committed to supporting this important sector, which has enormous value both to the many young people involved and from a broader social and economic viewpoint.