Departmental Agencies Funding

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 January 2019

Tuesday, 15 January 2019

Ceisteanna (994)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

994. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the extent of the funding provided either directly or indirectly through agencies controlled by her Department for the provision of advocacy services during 2018; the proposed expenditure figures for 2019; the number of advocacy cases dealt with in 2018 by each of the advocacy organisations so funded; and the number of staff and volunteers in each advocacy organisation in December 2018. [1196/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

While my Department does not specifically or directly fund organisations solely to provide advocacy services, a key strategic objective for my Department is to ensure evidence-based policy is promoted and supported and that children and young people participate in decisions that effect their lives. As a result, a number of organisations funded by the Department and its agencies often involves elements of advocacy. Examples of such organisation are Comhairle na nÓg, Children's Rights Alliance, Early Childhood Ireland, Barnardos, the National Parents Council, Empowering People In Care, YAP Ireland and the Irish Foster Carers Association.

However, as funding is not provided solely for advocacy services, the detailed information requested is not readily available and would involve significant administrative burden on the organisations receiving funding from the Department and its agencies to produce it.