Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 May 2021
568. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the funding has been provided to the provision of youth services and facilities on offshore islands in each year of the past five years; and if his Department works with young persons on offshore islands to assess and meet their needs. [23810/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department will allocate €70m in funding to various youth services across the country in 2021. To ensure that this funding meets need and is governed appropriately we rely on the 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs) who cover mainland and offshore needs, and various national youth organisations. Each ETB has a Youth Officer leading on youth services.
Officials hold quarterly meetings with Youth Officers who provide an important support role to my Department in the co-ordination and administration of youth services at local level. These meetings assist my Department in identifying service needs and emerging issues, particularly for vulnerable young people.
Officials from my Department also meet with youth organisations on an individual basis when the need arises. We have a professional, constructive working relationship with youth organisations and young people, which my Department works hard to maintain.
My Department provides annual funding through UBU Your Place Your Space to Tionscnamh Oige Mhuintearas to deliver necessary youth services in the Islands. A breakdown of this funding over the past five years is provided below for the Deputy.
Youth funding provided to Muintearas (2017-2021)
|
2021 |
€62,060 |
|
2020 |
€60,546 |
|
2019 |
€59,946 |
|
2018 |
€59,946 |
|
2017 |
€57,640 |
|
Total |
€300,138 |
