Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 October 2021
168. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the amount that has been provided in capital grants to support national youth organisations and local youth services and clubs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48539/21]
View answerThe amount provided in 2020 and 2021 to youth capital projects; and the amount of the allocation that was drawn down for 2020 and 2021 (to date) is provided in the table below.
|
Youth Capital |
2020 |
2021 |
|
Allocation |
€1,950,000 |
€3,000,000 |
|
Draw down |
€2,379,650 |
€2,328,650 |
The capital scheme for 2021 saw some 500 individual grants provided to services and youth clubs across 16 Education and Training Board areas and 24 National Youth Organisations, including NYCI, Foróige, Crosscare, YWI, and Gaisce.
The capital grants awarded are supporting services and clubs with upgrade works, the purchase of new equipment, ICT for online service provision, improvements to ventilation, and adaptations to outdoor spaces to facilitate youth services to run outdoor activities. Some 24 National Youth Organisations are benefiting from over €500,000 in capital grants to support their work across the country in the area of ICT, minor works and equipment.
Youth services play a vital role in our communities, providing support and guidance to young people, and empowering them to reach their full potential. They have been at the forefront at reaching out to help young people throughout this pandemic, helping to alleviate social isolation, by offering them a space in person or online, to meet with their peers, and process the challenges of Covid-19.
Youth clubs and services continue to work to improve the well-being of young people, and by providing opportunities for personal development, they are helping young people to achieve better social outcomes and gain a greater understanding of the world around them. The capital funding provided supports services to provide real benefits to young people’s lives.
