Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 October 2021
300. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on the submission from an organisation (details supplied) with its business plan for the reinvigoration of the voluntary clubs network across the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48850/21]
View answerThe Deputy may be aware that my officials and I have met with Youth Work Ireland in relation to their business plan for the reinvigoration of the voluntary clubs network. We had an in-depth discussion on the implications of the report and the issue is under review by officials in the context of our consideration of the Estimates for 2022.
As the Deputy will be aware, I provided an increase of €5 million in funding for youth services in 2021, bringing the total from my Department to €66.8 million this year.
Each year, my Department funds universally focused, volunteer led, youth work through the Youth Service Grant Scheme. A number of National Youth Organisations will benefit from over €12 million in funding under this scheme in 2021. This represents a 6% increase over the funding provided in 2020. I believe that the youth work carried out by these volunteer groups is transformative for young people.
Additionally, the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme supports volunteer-led youth work activities at a local level. The funding for this scheme increased by 7% to €2.3m in 2021. This scheme supports 1,400 clubs or groups nationwide.
I would like to reiterate the significance and value I place on the contributions made by volunteers to the community life of our country and to supporting our most vulnerable. In the youth sector, the work of some 40,000 volunteers has been key to the ability of youth work organisations to function effectively prior to the pandemic.
My Department sits on the Implementation Group of the National Volunteering Strategy 2021 – 2025. The purpose of this Strategy, led by the Department of Rural and Community Development, is to recognise, support and promote the unique value and contribution of volunteers to Irish society. A number of representatives of the voluntary youth sector are represented on subgroups under the Strategy working to advance actions in the areas of volunteer support and training as well as youth engagement .
