Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 February 2013
216. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she has had discussions with the Department of Social Protection on the possible negative consequences on the provision of youth services if the job initiative programme were to cease due to the loss of youth workers in the sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9395/13]
View answerThe Youth Affairs Unit of my Department supports the delivery of a range of youth work programmes and services for all young people, including those from disadvantaged communities, by the voluntary youth sector.
Funding of €53.173m has been provided to my Department for the provision of youth services in 2013. Of this total funding, €1.75 has been provided in a new capital funding programme for 2013. The emphasis in the 2013 youth affairs budget is on consolidating and maintaining, insofar as possible, the level of existing programmes and services for young people.
There are some 1,400 youth work staff in 477 projects and over 40,000 volunteers involved in the provision of services and activities for young people.
Each year over 380,000 young people participate in youth services.
My Department works closely with the Departments of Social Protection, Education and Skills and Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, on a range of issues including the Government’s employment agenda.
In relation to the youth services, I have sought to highlight and promote the potential of youth work as part of a continuum of education, employment and youth services supports in enhancing the employability of young people.
This is a priority theme during my Presidency of the EU Council of Youth Ministers in line with Ireland’s overall EU Presidency priority theme – Jobs, Stability and Growth.
I have had discussions with the Minister for Social Protection in relation to our shared interest in the youth employment agenda and in relation to my Department’s contribution to the Government’s overall activation programme to assist people who are unemployed and keep young people engaged in the labour market.
My Department will continue to work closely with the Department of Social Protection and other relevant departments in the context of the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs and the contribution of the youth services in supporting youth employment including through a greater focus on promoting and supporting volunteering opportunities.
