Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 March 2019
1213. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the avenues of funding and grant support open to a group (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14027/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe overall budget for the youth sector in 2019 is €60.4 million. This represents an additional €1.5 million over 2018. The level of funding supports the delivery of a range of youth work programmes and services for all young people, including those from disadvantaged communities, by the voluntary youth work sector. Youth work programmes and services are delivered by volunteers in communities throughout the country.
Scouting Ireland receives funding under the Youth Service Grant Scheme (YSGS) This funding is provided to 30 national and major regional voluntary youth organisations for the support of voluntary youth work. The funding is provided to ensure the emergence, promotion, growth and development of youth organisations with distinctive philosophies and programmes aimed at the social education of young people. Funding is provided primarily to the head offices of these organisations and many are engaged in youth work activities on a regional or nationwide basis.
In 2019 current funding of €1,100,000 was allocated to Scouting Ireland. While the funding of Scouting Ireland under the Youth Service Grant Scheme comes within the remit of this Department, any operational questions are a matter for Scouting Ireland. The Deputy may wish to note YSGS funding for Scouting Ireland beyond 30 April 2019 is contingent upon a full report from the organisation by the end of March on its compliance with all of the recommendations contained in the Jillian van Turnhout governance review as well as a commitment from Scouting Ireland to ongoing engagement with Tusla.
Any Scouting group is open to apply for a grant under the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme which is operated by the regional Education and Training Boards. The total grant available nationwide this year under this scheme is just over €2 million and is divided among the 16 Education and Training Boards.
