Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 September 2021
790. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the funding streams within his Department which may be of potential assistance to ongoing fundraising effort outlined in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43195/21]
View answerFunding for the provision of youth services is administered on behalf of my Department by the Education and Training Boards, which allocate funding for local youth clubs and services via applications to the UBU Your Place Your Space the Local Youth Club Grant schemes. Funding of almost €42 million will be made available under UBU Your Place This Space in 2021 while over €2 million will be made available under the Local Youth Club Grant scheme this year
During the unprecedented periods of restrictions due to Covid-19, all of the youth funding provided by this Department has been maintained fully. This includes funding provided to national youth organisations, to local targeted youth services under UBU Your Place Your Space, and to youth clubs. In 2021, I secured an increase in 2021 for youth services, including an increase for Scouting Ireland.
In addition, funding has been made available through the Local Youth Clubs Grants Scheme and through the Covid-19 Small Grant Scheme. This funding can be accessed by local scouting organisations through their ETB.
My officials are in regular contact with youth sector representatives in relation to the impact of the Covid-19 restrictions, and will continue to work closely with youth organisations in monitoring the overall situation.
In this instance, the group in contact may wish to contact their local Education and Training Board to assess their eligibility for funding.
