Written answers

Wednesday, 13 October 2021

Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Youth Services

Photo of Catherine ConnollyCatherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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158. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his plans to restore funding for youth work services to pre-2008 levels; if his attention has been drawn to a campaign (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50034/21]

Photo of Roderic O'GormanRoderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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In Budget 2022, I secured an additional €5 million in current funding for youth services. The additional funding will assist in the further development of youth services during 2022. More precise allocations across the youth subheads are currently being considered by my officials and details will be shared in due course.

In recent years, funding for the provision of youth services has increased on an annual basis. Between the years 2016 and 2022, the annual current youth funding available to my Department has increased from €51.9 million to €71.79 million. Including capital allocations, the total funding next year will be €73 million.

The additional funding secured for Youth Services is particularly important given the disproportionate impact Covid-19 has had on young people. This additional funding will allow us to re-engage young people in youth services, re-engage and train volunteers, and provide new youth services where needed.

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 2022 will enable DCEDIY to offer more supports to existing services, to help them reach more young people, and will enable 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.

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