Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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399. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will support an organisation's campaign by advocating for a €15 million increase in youth work funding in Budget 2025, in recognition of the vital role youth work plays in the development and wellbeing of young people across Ireland (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37952/24]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I am cognisant of the campaign referenced by the Deputy, and the submission is being reviewed within my Department.

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.

My Department has made a significant investment in youth services in 2024, building on the increases in recent years and securing the achievements into the future. The current funding for youth services and programmes in my Department this year is €77.95 million, 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 positive and transformative opportunities and supports to young people.