Liam Quaide (Cork East, Social Democrats)
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254. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the current staffing levels at a service (details supplied); the catchment area served; if it extends beyond County Cork; and her plans for further investment in staffing levels. [50947/25]

Liam Quaide (Cork East, Social Democrats)
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255. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of young persons attending a service (details supplied); and the average number attending on a daily basis. [50948/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 254 and 255 together.

The department is dedicated to enhancing the delivery and development of youth work services, including the service in question, and opportunities for young people across the country. Arising from Budget 2025, over €88 million 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%.

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

The department though is committed to ensuring continued support for key priorities and developments through the implementation of Opportunities for Youth the national strategy for youth work and related services.

The answers to the Deputy's questions regarding the service in question are provided in the table below: