Johnny Guirke (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

486. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an update on the current Youth Outreach Programme operating in County Meath; if there are any plans to expand or enhance youth services in the region, particularly in underserved or rural committees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39319/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My department is committed to supporting the delivery and development of youth work services and opportunities for young people across the sixteen education and training boards (ETBs), including Louth and Meath ETB.

In 2025, €940,836 was allocated to Louth and Meath ETB under the UBU Your Space Your Place (UBU) scheme. This represents an increase of 4% on funding levels from 2024. There are currently three UBU services operating within Meath, and they have been allocated a total of €350,773 in UBU funding this year.

In addition to UBU services, there is one Targeted Youth Employability Support Initiative (TYESI) operating in Meath which was allocated €60,000 this year.

A further €104,255 has been allocated to volunteer led youth services in Meath under the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme this year.

In Budget 2025, my department secured an allocation of €1.2 million for the establishment of ten new UBU services this year. As a result, the total number of UBU services will increase from 249 to 259 services across the country. These new UBU services will provide targeted youth services for up to one thousand disadvantaged young people.

Each ETB has been invited to make a submission for a new UBU service in their functional area utilising available demographic data. The ten submissions that demonstrate the greatest need will be selected to establish a new UBU service.

Johnny Guirke (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

487. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of youth workers employed by her Department in County Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39321/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department provides grant funding to youth organisations to support a broad range of youth services which are delivered by both paid youth workers and volunteers. Youth workers are not employed by my Department. Youth workers and other staff involved in youth services in Meath are employed directly by the youth organisations in receipt of the grant funding. My Department does not currently collate the information requested by the Deputy.