Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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1434.To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will support an increase of €15 million funding for youth work sector in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.[34658/24]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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Budget 2025 is currently being considered by Government in the context of the annual estimates process. Therefore, the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage.

However, from 2020 to Budget 2024, current Exchequer funding for youth services and programmes increased from €61.79 million to €77.95 million, a 26% increase overall. The current full package of funding for youth services in my Department of €77.95 million represents an increase of €5 million, or 6.8%, on the 2023 budget.

In the context of Budget 2025, I am committed to supporting this important sector which provides such positive and transformative opportunities and supports to young people.