Written answers

Wednesday, 31 March 2021

Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Voluntary Sector

Photo of Gerald NashGerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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693. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on a request by an organisation (details supplied) for a once-off bridging grant of €2 million to support and sustain scouting in view of Covid-19; his plans in relation to this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16320/21]

Photo of Roderic O'GormanRoderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The ongoing management of the organisation referred to by the Deputy is a matter for their Board, including the challenges being presented due to the recent Covid-19 restrictions.

My Department provides substantial funding to this organisation, which plays an important role in providing young people with opportunities for developmental experiences and informal learning. All of the youth funding provided by my Department has been maintained fully throughout the ongoing period of restrictions. In addition, I secured an increase in 2021 for youth services, including an increase for the organisation referred to by the Deputy. I have no plans to provide additional funding to this organisation.

My officials are in regular contact with youth sector representatives in relation to the impact of the pandemic and associated health restrictions. It is of importance that Exchequer funding to youth services nationally is protected and I am satisfied that Government has been able to continue to support them. My officials will continue to work closely with youth organisations and will actively monitor the situation.

Photo of Seán HaugheySeán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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694. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide a one-off grant of €2 million to an organisation (details supplied) to help it deal with the shortage of funds it is experiencing due to the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16400/21]

Photo of Roderic O'GormanRoderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The ongoing management of the organisation referred to by the Deputy is a matter for their Board, including the challenges being presented due to the recent Covid-19 restrictions.

My Department provides substantial funding to this organisation, which plays an important role in providing young people with opportunities for developmental experiences and informal learning. All of the youth funding provided by my Department has been maintained fully throughout the ongoing period of restrictions. In addition, I secured an increase in 2021 for youth services, including an increase for the organisation referred to by the Deputy. I have no plans to provide additional funding to this organisation.

My officials are in regular contact with youth sector representatives in relation to the impact of the pandemic and associated health restrictions. It is of importance that Exchequer funding to youth services nationally is protected and I am satisfied that Government has been able to continue to support them. My officials will continue to work closely with youth organisations and will actively monitor the situation.

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