Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 July 2016
264. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she has considered reviewing the implementation of the Charities Act in voluntary youth services due to the huge burden placed on these services by increasing administration costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19927/16]
View answerMy Department administers a range of funding schemes and programmes to support the provision of youth services by the voluntary youth sector, to young people throughout the country. The funding schemes support 30 national organisations, 477 local projects and provision for some 380,000 young people. In 2016 my Department will administer funding amounting to some €51m to support these youth services.
Funding for local youth services is administered on behalf of my Department in the main by local Education and Training Boards. All applicant organisations for this funding are expected to be fully compliant with legislation in relation to charities, revenue, the Companies Acts and Children First guidelines. My Department works closely with the voluntary youth sector to assist them in meeting these obligations and most importantly in the development of responsive youth services that meet young peoples needs.
Youth Officers in the Education and Training Boards provide support to services in the implementation of the National Quality Standards Framework. Good governance and operational management is an important part of this process for services. The aim is to provide assurance to my Department, the public and young people themselves that resources are being used effectively and that services provided are quality assured and focused on young people.
I, and officials from my Department, regularly meet with national youth organisations and services throughout the country to hear the challenges the voluntary youth sector faces. My aim is to work collaboratively with the youth sector to ensure the provision of youth services that are accessible and are fully accountable to the tax payer and meet high quality standards particularly for vulnerable young people.
