Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North-Central, Fianna Fail)
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909. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if equipment funding is available for youth clubs to apply for; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2342/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Arising from Budget 2025, €84.9m will be allocated for current and capital expenditure for the benefit of young people, an increase in funding of €7 million, or almost 9%, on the 2024 budget. Over the period from 2021 to 2025, the level of current Exchequer funding for youth services and programmes will have increased by over 34%.

The additional funding allocated in Budget 2025 will enhance the sustainability of youth organisations and boost youth work service capacity by financing new targeted youth services. This investment will facilitate the implementation of Opportunities for Youth: The National Strategy for Youth Work and Related Services 2024-2028.

Capital funding of €1m has been allocated for the benefit of young people throughout 2025. Of this, €0.5m is specifically earmarked for upgrades to playgrounds and recreational facilities. The remaining €0.5m will be available to new UBU services, which are due to be established in 2025, and to National Youth Organisations to support the purchase of essential equipment and the completion of minor works. My Department does not have plans for a specific capital fund for the purchase of equipment by youth clubs in 2025, beyond that outlined above.

My Department will make current funding of €2.7m available for the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme which supports the running costs of local volunteer-led youth work activities. This scheme will be administered by the 16 Education and Training Boards and will be advertised by each ETB with details of the application process and supports available to clubs within each ETB functional area.