Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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1352.To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if concerns regarding the funding of youth services (details supplied) will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter.[34341/24]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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In regard to youth workers terms and conditions, 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.

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 €61.8 million to €77.95 million, a 26% increase overall.

I am very cognisant of the challenges being experienced by some clubs in recruiting volunteers, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. 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. Reform of the Youth Services Grant Scheme is currently underway and funding is available for additional youth organisations to benefit from the Scheme. The application process for funding for eligible youth organisations closes on 16th September.

I have committed to developing a workforce development plan for the youth sector, to support the recruitment and retention of staff and volunteers in the sector. My officials are currently carrying out preparatory work on the development of a plan, and will undertake consultations in the period ahead with stakeholders, including youth workers, youth organisations, and providers of youth work training.

My Department is currently carrying out a mapping exercise in respect of youth services, which will include the premises currently used for youth services and help to identify gaps and shortfalls in the availability of spaces for youth services. This analysis is necessary to enable the Department to determine how best to direct capital funding over the period ahead. While this research is underway, I have prioritised the direct delivery of services and programmes for young people and secured an increase of €5 million, or 6.8%, in Budget 2024 for current expenditure.