Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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328. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will commit to increasing investment in youth services in line with the proposals of the National Youth Council of Ireland in view of the under provision of youth services and in particular the additional need arising from the impact of Covid-19 on young persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49050/21]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The allocations under Budget 2022 are being considered by Government in the context of the annual Estimates process for 2022. 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 the years 2016 and 2021, the annual current youth funding available to my Department has increased from €51.9 million to €66.79 million. This included €5million in additional funding in 2021, the largest increase over that period, indicating my recognition and that of Government for the extremely valuable work of this sector.

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 youthwork services 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. The increased funding in 2021 has enabled DCEDIY to offer more supports to existing services, to help them reach more young people, and it is enabling the introduction of brand new services across the country.

As we begin to move beyond the pandemic, I am committed to supporting this important sector, which has enormous value to the many young people involved and from a broader social and economic viewpoint.