Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
1049. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to detail the funding streams available for youth work services to provide outreach programmes for asylum seekers and refugees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36627/23]
View answerFunding of €1.6million has been allocated in 2023 to support youth services to provide services for young people who have fled the war in Ukraine. An initial funding allocation of €1.25 million has been made available through ETBs to local youth services, including services funded under the UBU targeted funding scheme and local youth clubs.
The purpose of the funding is to support local integration efforts through creating additional places in existing services and clubs, and the formation of new clubs as appropriate.
The remining balance of €0.35m will distributed in Q3 of 2023.
With regard to wider supports for young people seeking and in receipt of international protection, my Departments UBU scheme is a targeted youth funding scheme which funds youth services young people aged 10-24 experiencing marginalisation, are disadvantaged or vulnerable. Young people who are applicants for or are in receipt of international protection are considered to be disadvantaged for the purpose of UBU funding, and can therefore benefit from targeted youth services, to help them to overcome adverse circumstances and integrate with their local communities.
The 2023 UBU budget is €46.48 million.
