Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Youth Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 October 2020

Wednesday, 7 October 2020

Ceisteanna (178)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

178. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration his plans to increase funding to the public bodies that distribute funds to youth services (details supplied). [29021/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The allocations under Budget 2021 are being considered by Government in the context of the annual Estimates process for 2021. As this process is ongoing, the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment at this stage.

While I recognise and acknowledge that youth sector funding saw deep cuts during the preceding decade, in recent years, funding for the provision of youth services has increased on an annual basis. Between 2016 and 2020 the annual current youth funding available to my Department has increased from €51.9m to €61.79m. NYCI saw its Youth Service Grant Scheme allocation increase from €608,888 in 2019 to €633,244 in 2020.

It is now more critical than ever that our growing population of young people are supported as they experience the social, economic, physical and mental health impacts of the pandemic. In recognition of the vital role played by youth work in providing such support to young people, funding levels have been maintained throughout the current challenging period. This has enabled the youth sector to continue to provide supports to young people, particularly to marginalised, disadvantaged and vulnerable young people.

I am committed to supporting this important sector, which has enormous value both to the many young people involved and from a broader social and economic viewpoint.

Barr
Roinn