Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 May 2021
233. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the extent to which his Department continues to liaise with youth organisations with a view to maximise beneficial contact; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29080/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra234. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the extent and level of his Departments interaction with youth and youth organisations with a view to identifying and meeting specific targets in relation to issues of concern; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29081/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 233 and 234 together.
My Department maintains close contact with the national youth organisations funded under the Youth Service Grant Scheme and I, and officials from my Department, meet formally with these organisations twice a year to share knowledge and information on developments in the youth sector. Although this schedule has been impacted by Covid-19, my officials and I have maintained engagements with the National Youth Council of Ireland, Youth Work Ireland, Foróige and Scouting Ireland, among others, in recent months. Officials from my Department meet formally with youth organisations on an individual basis when the need arises and also maintain informal contacts.
The Deputy may be aware that we provide funding to all 16 Education and Training Boards (ETB) around the country to support youth services and that each ETB has a Youth Officer. Youth Officers provide an important support role to my Department in the co-ordination and administration of youth services at local level. My officials hold quarterly meetings with them and these meetings assist my Department in identifying service needs and emerging issues, particularly for vulnerable young people.
My Department has engaged with the youth sector during Covid to develop sector specific guidance which are updated in tandem with the evolving Covid-19 developments. My officials continue to engage regularly with youth sector representatives in relation to the impact of the pandemic and associated health restrictions on young people and youth services.
