Erin McGreehan (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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753. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if education and training boards have been invited to make submissions for a new UBU (youth services) scheme in their functional areas; if so, what are the timelines for these submissions, how many submissions have been received to date, and when is a final decision expected. [44500/25]

Erin McGreehan (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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754. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if funding has been allocated in Budget 2026 to increase the number of UBU (Your Place Your Space) services beyond the current total of 260; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44501/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 753 and 754 together.

My Department is dedicated to enhancing the delivery and development of youth work services and opportunities for young people across the country.

In Budget 2025, an additional €1.2 million was allocated for the establishment of ten new UBU Your Place Your Space (UBU) services which will provide targeted youth worker-led support for up to 1,000 disadvantaged young people where they are most needed.

On 16 June 2025, education and training boards (ETBs) were invited to make a submission for one new UBU service in their area, with all sixteen ETBs submitting a proposal.

The ten ETBs that have been awarded funding for a new UBU service were announced on 27 August 2025 and are as follows:

• Cavan Monaghan ETB
• Donegal ETB
• Kerry ETB
• Kildare Wicklow ETB
• Kilkenny Carlow ETB
• Laois Offaly ETB
• Longford Westmeath ETB
• Louth Meath ETB
• Mayo Sligo Leitrim ETB
• Tipperary ETB