Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2013
566. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the level of funding for special projects for youth services; the reason there was such a large cut in expenditure for youth services this year compared with other headings in her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22646/13]
View answerThe Youth Affairs Unit of my Department provides a range of funding schemes, programmes and supports to the youth sector. Funding of some €53.498m is available in 2013 to support the provision of youth services and programmes to young people throughout the country including those from disadvantaged communities. Targeted supports for disadvantaged, marginalised and at risk young people are provided through the Special Projects for Youth Scheme, the Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund Rounds 1 and 2 and Local Drugs Task Force Projects.
In 2013, €14.844m has been allocated to special projects under the Special Projects for Youth Scheme.
The savings required under the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure in respect of 2013 amounted to €5.393m, a reduction in the main of some 10% in respect of staff-led youth projects/services. The reductions required by the CRE were reflected in the 2013 estimates published in December 2012. My Department has tried to be as equitable as possible in achieving these savings and the focus in the distribution of the funding has been on the need to protect the front line youth services in particular for the most vulnerable young people.
With respect to future funding provision, my Department has commenced a comprehensive Policy and Value for Money Review of youth funding and this report is expected later this year. It is anticipated that this report will inform the provision of funding for youth programmes/services going into the future.
In addition, my Department is developing a new youth policy framework for publication later this year. The new youth policy framework will aim to enhance the provision of youth services and activities and it will, inter alia, promote co-ordination between government departments and youth sector organisations with a view to maximising the effectiveness of the State funding available to support services for young people in future years.
