Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 October 2022
141. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his Department's plans, if any, to expand the provision of youth services across County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50383/22]
View answerFunding for the provision of targeted youth services is administered on behalf of my Department by the Education and Training Boards (ETBs). The Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB) administer the youth sector funding in County Clare.
The additional funding I have secured for LCETB in 2022 includes approved funding of €120,000 in June of this year for a new UBU Your Place Your Space project for the Killaloe Municipal District in Co. Clare. The project is currently operational and LCETB has advised that it has already seen engagement with young people in positive development activities. Clare Youth Service also received an increase of €15,000 for a full year to its allocation under UBU Your Place Your Space.
The total funding allocated to LCETB has increased from €3.64 million in 2020 to €4.07 million in 2022. This additional funding supports the delivery of youth clubs and targeted youth services, with a particular view to the role played by youth services in supporting mental wellbeing, fostering resilience and developing the social and personal competencies of young people, including those that are disadvantaged, marginalised or vulnerable.
My officials are examining Budget 2023's allocation for youth services and programmes in advance of the publication of the Revised Estimates Volume.
