Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 March 2023
880. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his Department’s plans to ensure that youth work is properly and sustainably funded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12404/23]
View answerMy Department is making a significant investment in youth services in 2023, building on the increases in recent years and securing the achievements into the future.
The full package of funding for youth services and programmes in my Department is €75 million. This includes €72.95 million for current funding and €2.7 million in capital funds for minor works, equipment, and contributions towards playgrounds with local authorities.
From 2020 to Budget 2023, current Exchequer funding for youth services and programmes increased from €61.789 million to €72.948 million, an 18% increase overall.
With regard to future funding of youth work, the total amount allocated to this area will be determined in the annual budgetary process.
