Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 February 2021
147. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the extent of his Department’s interaction with various youth organisations throughout the country with particular reference to the need to offer support to youth organisations and the protection of the vulnerable in the context of the Covid-19 crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6262/21]
View answerMy officials and I have a very good working relationship with the youth sector and I will be continuing this engagement as we seek to support young people through this very challenging period. Of particular relevance in the context of the Deputy's query is the very successful working group convened by my officials to work with youth sector representatives in the context of the response to the Covid pandemic.
In recognition of the vital role played by youth work in providing support to young people, funding levels have increased throughout the current challenging period. This has enabled the youth sector to continue to provide supports to young people, particularly to marginalised, disadvantaged and vulnerable young people.
Early in my tenure, I was able to provide an additional small grant to support local funded organisations, Youth Information Centres and youth clubs to defray some of the Covid-19 costs. Since then, I have also secured an additional €5 million investment in youth services for 2021. I see this funding as supporting the frontline services as they seek to innovate to continue to provide critical services to vulnerable young people.
At a broader level, my Department is committed to leading a discussion with relevant Departments and agencies to ensure that mental health services, educational institutions, youth services and sports clubs work together, so that each is aware of the challenges young people have been facing and can help ease them back into everyday life and support their resilience.
