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Youth Services Funding

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 July 2013

Tuesday, 16 July 2013

Questions (1011)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

1011. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will address the issue of funding cuts to a youth service (details supplied) in County Kerry; if she will provide additional funding for the service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35153/13]

View answer

Written answers

The overall budget for the youth sector in 2013 is €53.498 million. Within this total funding, €1.75 million has been provided for a new capital funding programme. This funding 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 work sector.

The Youth Service referred to by the Deputy administers a number of youth projects under the Special Projects for Youth Scheme and one Youth Information Service and the allocation provided by my Department for these projects is €511,465 in 2013.

Having regard to the savings requirements identified in the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure which amount to €5.393 million in 2013, my Department has tried to ensure that in the determination process for the allocations, the front line youth services, particularly those for the most vulnerable young people, are protected as far as is possible from the impact of any necessary reductions in funding.

There is no doubt that the current budgetary situation is challenging for many organisations. In considering how best to manage within the allocations available, organisations are being asked to consider the scope for reducing administration costs and other overheads and to work closely with their local VEC that administers the funding on behalf of my Department, in order to maintain the front line services for young people particularly for those young people who may be disadvantaged.

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.

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