Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
1015. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will increase the funding allocation made to the Laois Offaly Education and Training Boards for the provision of youth services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47963/23]
View answerMy Department is making a significant investment in youth services in the Laois Offaly area in 2023, building on the increases in recent years and securing the achievements into the future.
The table below outlines the funding provided to Laois and Offaly ETB in 2023.
|
Funding provided to ETBs to end October 2023 |
Laois & Offaly ETB |
|
Scheme |
Amount € |
|
Local Youth Club Grant Scheme (LYCGS) |
€82,544.00 |
|
ETB Youth Grant |
€128,125.00 |
|
Youth Information Centres (YIC) |
€0.00 |
|
Capital funding for youth services/clubs |
€33,783.00 |
|
UBU Your Place Your Space |
€415,778.00 |
|
Migrant Integration Fund |
€24,000.00 |
|
Total |
€684,230.00 |
Following Budget 2024, the full package of current funding for youth services and programmes in my Department will be €77.95 million in 2024, an increase of €5 million on the 2023 allocation.
My officials are examining the options for this year’s allocation in advance of the publication of the Revised Estimates Volume. Any increases to Laois and Offaly ETB will be considered in that context. The increased level of funding will consolidate the achievements since 2020 and provide a strong platform into the future.
