Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 March 2018
229. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to properly resource youth services in each ETB area to support volunteer youth leaders; if the requested review of existing youth club and group support structures will be conducted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10520/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department administers a range of funding schemes and programmes to support the provision of youth services to young people throughout the country including those from disadvantaged communities.
These schemes include the Youth Service Grant Scheme under which funding is made available on an annual basis to thirty national and major regional youth organisations. This funding is intended to ensure the emergence, promotion, growth and development of youth organisations with distinctive philosophies and programmes aimed at the social education of young people. In 2017, I provided an additional 5% in funding to this scheme, bringing the total allocation to €10.65m.
The Local Youth Club Grant Scheme supports youth work activities at a local level. These grants are made available to all youth clubs and groups through the local Education and Training Boards. The scheme is open to some 1,700 youth groups and clubs, with an estimated 90,000 club members around the country. In 2017, I provided an additional 10% in funding to the scheme, bringing the total allocation to €1.1715m.
My Department has commenced a process to identify service development needs for 2018 and to finalise the 2018 allocations to the above schemes. Every effort will be made to complete this process as soon as possible.
In 2017, I was also pleased to approve the establishment the Local Youth Club Equipment Scheme which provided €6.35m nationally. The primary focus of this once-off scheme was to assist volunteer led clubs and groups that work with young people in communities throughout the country. The scheme provided for the purchase of equipment for sport, arts, adventure and other much needed items. I have received extremely positive feedback on the scheme from clubs across Ireland.
My Department has commenced a review of the Youth Service Grant Scheme. This review is intended to enhance its accountability, transparency and scheme measurement. It is also seeking to ensure the scheme responds to the ever evolving needs of young people.
