Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The Young Ireland: National Policy Framework for Children and Young People recognises the important role of youth work services in supporting young people to thrive and fully develop their potential. In keeping with this, I have continued to invest significantly in youth services throughout the country so that every young person is given the opportunity to achieve their full potential. From 2020 to Budget 2024, current Exchequer funding for youth services and programmes increased from €61.789 million to €77.95 million, a 26% increase overall. Later this year, Government will publish a new national strategy focussed on this important area in order to further enhance young people’s developmental opportunities and ensure all delivery partners are working together to deliver for young people. Work is at an advanced stage in respect of this strategy.

The material referred to by the Deputy raises a number of issues in respect of youth services. It is important to note that support for volunteer-led clubs throughout the country is already provided by means of both the Youth Services Grant Scheme and the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme. A number of organisations funded under the former scheme receive substantial annual funding to support the provision of developmental and other supports to their networks of volunteer-led clubs. I am very cognisant, however, of the challenges being experienced by some clubs in recruiting volunteers, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, and my Department is actively exploring options on how to support organisations in this regard so that young people are able to have access to important local opportunities.

In respect of supports for young people who are applicants for international protection, such young people are included as a target group under the UBU Your Place Your Space Scheme, under which €47 million is being provided this year. UBU Your Place Your Space Resilience and Effectiveness funding provides additional support to funded organisations who identify needs that match the relevant qualifying criteria. The funded organisations applications are assessed and recommended to the Department by the Education and Training Boards. Youth services have also received funding under the International Protection Integration Fund and they can apply for funding, as the fund aims to fund a number of areas including activities for children and young people.

In regards to the Workplace Relations Commission recommendations, my Department does not directly employ youth workers. Rather, funding is allocated on a 'provision of service' basis to meet the needs of the youth population in an area. The recruitment and employment of staff including youth workers is a matter for the youth organisations and services in receipt of funding.