Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020
747. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of the implementation and allocation of the youth climate justice fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11681/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 18 June, 2020 I announced grants to youth organisations under the Youth Climate Justice Fund. In total, I approved grants of almost €465,000 to 23 different youth organisations after accepting the recommendations of a specially convened Selection Committee that carefully considered all applications to the Fund.
I am delighted to be able to approve funding for a wide ranging suite of innovative and dynamic youth-led projects that support and promote Climate Justice. I never fail to be impressed by the passion and commitment of young people on this issue, and the commitment of those who work with them.
The Youth Climate Justice Fund supports youth-led action and innovation at community, regional and national level. A total of 14 applications were received, including three ‘consortium’ applications, representing 23 different youth organisations.
Grants are being awarded to three ‘consortium’ applications including bids led by ECO-UNESCO (with SpunOut.ie, Young Irish Film Makers, No Name Club, Irish Girl Guides and the Girls’ Brigade as partner organisations); Church of Ireland Youth Department (with the Girls Friendly Society as a partner organisation); and National Youth Council of Ireland (including Macra na Feirme, Involve and Young Men's Christian Association as partner organisations.)
Other grants are being been made to Catholic Guides of Ireland, Crosscare, Feachtas Óg-Ghluaisteacht Gaeilge, Foróige, Gaisce, Junior Chamber International (Ireland), Localise Youth Volunteering, Ógras, Scouting Ireland, Youth Theatre Ireland and Youth Work Ireland.
This is the inaugural year of the fund which will close with an Outcomes Conference organised by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. This conference will be led by the young people involved in the activities supported by this fund and will inform the future development of the fund.
