Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 October 2022
104. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the provisions that his Department are making in view of a recent survey showing that over seven in ten young persons are considering leaving Ireland for a better quality of life, to deliver improved youth services and supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50740/22]
View answerI am aware of the survey the Deputy refers to and the findings are a matter of concern. One of the key goals underpinning my Department’s work is to help young people achieve their potential.
In regards to the delivery of youth services and supports, my officials and I have a very good working relationship with the National Youth Organisations, including the organisation that conducted the survey, the National Youth Council of Ireland.
As the Deputy will know, in recognition of the vital role played by youth work in providing support to young people, funding for youth services and programmes increased further in Budget 2023. The current funding has risen from €61.789 million in 2020 to €72.948 million, an increase of 18% increase overall.
The funding supports the delivery of youth work programmes and services for all young people, including those from disadvantaged communities, by the voluntary youth work sector. The majority is distributed through the targeted UBU Your Place Your Space scheme. UBU serves to improve the seven personal and social developmental outcomes. These are:
1. Emotional Intelligence
2. Communication Skills
3. Confidence
4. Planning and Problem Solving
5. Creativity and Imagination
6. Relationships, and
7. Resilience and Determination
There is strong evidence showing that building social and emotional capabilities such as these can have greater long-term impact than focussing on reducing the "symptoms" of poor outcomes for young people.
The Education and Training Boards advised that over 80,000 young people benefited from UBU Your Place Your Space in 2021. Also, over 70,000 young people benefit from youth clubs supported through the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme in a typical year.
Young people were severely affected by the restrictions to protect public health during the pandemic. In recognition of the tremendous support provided by the youth sector to young people, funding levels were maintained in full. An additional €1.7 million in minor grant schemes was made available in 2020 and in 2021 to address Covid-19 related costs. Services that were active operated in line with public health guidance.
It must be emphasised, however, that a whole of Government approach is ensuring that Ireland remains an attractive location and continues to have a lot to offer for its young people. I support the work of my fellow cabinet members with responsibility for priority areas in young people's lives including education, arts, sport, health, housing, employment, and social protection.
