Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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830. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her views on the merits of supporting the voluntary work of an organisation (details supplied); if an increase in annual funding will be considered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45574/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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My department provides significant funding to the organisation in question and the wider youth sector. Arising from Budget 2025, €84.9m has been 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 2020 to 2025, the level of current Exchequer funding for youth services and programmes will have increased by over 34%.

Part of the additional funding in 2025 was directed to a 5.5% increase in funding to national youth organisations, including the organisation in question, under the Youth Services Grant Scheme (YSGS). This scheme plays a crucial role in supporting youth work organisations, helping ensure that young people have access to youth clubs and services that foster their growth and engagement. More than €1.5m has been allocated to the organisation in question under the Scheme this year, including continued funding to assist with the cost of staffing its safeguarding office.

Budget 2026 will be considered by Government in the context of the annual estimates process. As this process is ongoing, the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage.

However, I would like to note that we hope to build on the progress made in Budget 2025, ensuring continued support for key priorities and developments.