Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1926. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to endorse and fully support the work of an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20558/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Youth Information Centres provide young people with an accessible and trusted source of information on topics such as rights, opportunities, benefits, health and welfare. To support this valuable work, my Department provides funding to 20 Youth Information Centres nation-wide and to SpunOut.ie which provides youth information online. The total allocated youth funding for Youth Information Centres in 2025 amounted to €1,512,163, including €132,091 allocated to the Centre operated by Kerry Community Youth Service.

Online supports for young people which are managed and staffed by State-funded youth information services include the Digital Youth Information Chat Service. The four service partners (Crosscare, SpunOut, YMCA and Youth Work Ireland) who collaborated to establish and run this service are supported by my Department, both through YIC funding and through other funding schemes, with all four organisations being in receipt of funding under the Youth Services Grant Scheme. In 2025, a cumulative €4,371,034 has been allocated to these four organisations in YSGS funding.

I am conscious of the invaluable work of the Kerry Community Youth Service, specifically its work with YI Chat, and the contribution made by all youth information organisations throughout the country.