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Youth Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 May 2021

Thursday, 27 May 2021

Ceisteanna (62)

Alan Dillon

Ceist:

62. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the role his Department provides in supporting the local youth club grant scheme; and if he plans to increase its budget given the important role youth clubs play in the development of young persons. [28335/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department allocates almost €67 million to support the provision of youth services nationwide. This funding has been maintained throughout the recent challenging period and this has enabled the youth sector to continue to provide supports to young people, particularly to marginalised, disadvantaged and vulnerable young people.

The Local Youth Club Grant Scheme, supports youth work activities at a local level by providing small grants to youth clubs and groups. Over €2.2 million has been made available for the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme this year. These grants are made available to all youth clubs and groups through their local Education and Training Boards (ETBs). Each year, in the region of 1,400 local youth clubs or groups are eligible to apply under the scheme. The Scheme is intended to support the operation of volunteer-led youth projects.

Any increase in funding for the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme would be dependent on an increase in youth funding in Budget 2022. 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 increased from €51.9m to €61.79. Additionally, last year I secured a €5 million increase in funding for youth services, including an increase of 7% for the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme.

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