Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

702. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide his response to a report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24790/23]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The report referred to by the Deputy is from 2007 and makes a number of recommendations around supporting and providing opportunities for young people. My Department has made substantial progress since 2007 in supporting and promoting non-formal education and developmental opportunities for young people in that area.

My Department provides funding to all 16 Education and Training Boards to support youth services in their area. Youth Officers are supported to provide an important function for my Department in the co-ordination and administration of youth services at local level. My officials hold quarterly meetings with representatives of the ETBs. These meetings assist my Department in identifying service needs and emerging issues, particularly for vulnerable young people.