Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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579. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will urgently seek a review concerning the level of funding for youth services such as Waterford and South Tipperary Community Youth Service in Budget 2023 (details supplied); the measures that are being taken to alleviate the financial difficulties and obstacles that youth service organisations are experiencing; if additional funding will be made available to such organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52018/22]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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Funding for the provision of targeted youth services, such as that provided to Waterford and South Tipperary Community Youth Service, is administered on behalf of my Department by the Education and Training Boards (ETBs). 

The full package of funding for youth services and programmes in my Department is over €75.6 million.  This includes €72.95 million for current funding, an increase of €1.159 million, and €2.7 million in capital funds, an increase of €1.2 million, for minor works, equipment, and contributions towards playgrounds with local authorities.

I intend for the increases to the Budget 2023 allocation to focus on further investment in local and national youth organisations.  In particular the funding schemes of UBU Your Place Your Space, the Youth Services Grant Scheme and Youth Information Centres. 

This additional funding supports the delivery of youth clubs and targeted youth services, with a particular view to the role played by youth services in supporting mental wellbeing, fostering resilience and developing the social and personal competencies of young people, including those that are disadvantaged, marginalised or vulnerable.

My officials are examining Budget 2023's allocation for youth services and programmes in advance of the publication of the Revised Estimates Volume. 

David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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580. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the position regarding funding increase for all strands of youth funding from his Department; if additional funding will be provided for community youth services including youth programmes, activities and projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52049/22]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The package of funding for youth services and programmes in my Department is over €75.6 million.  This includes €72.95 million for current funding, an increase of €1.159 million, and €2.7 million in capital funds, for minor works, equipment and contributions towards playgrounds with local authorities, an increase for capital of €1.2 million on Budget 2022.

I intend for the increases to the Budget 2023 allocation to focus on further investment in local and national youth organisations.  In particular the funding schemes of UBU Your Place Your Space, the Youth Services Grant Scheme and Youth Information Centres. 

My officials are examining the options for this year’s allocation in advance of the publication of the Revised Estimates Volume. 

The increased level of funding will consolidate the achievements since 2020 and provide a strong platform into the future.