Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 June 2021
176. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the sections of the Youth Work Act 2001 which have not yet been commenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30093/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo date, Sections 1-7, 17, 18, and 24 of the Youth Work Act 2001 have been commenced. Sections 8-16, 19-23, and 25-37 are not yet commenced.
Responsibility for youth services transferred to the then Department of Children and Youth Affairs in 2011. Since that time there has been a necessary focus on significant reform of youth work schemes and structures undertaken.
These initiatives and reforms include the preparation of a dedicated youth strategy, a dedicated youth participation strategy, and an LGBTI Youth Strategy.
There has also been a significant Value For Money Review of Youth Funding Schemes undertaken which has resulted in the fundamental reform of targeted youth funding resulting in the launch last year of the UBU Your Place Your Space scheme. An equally significant reform of the universal YSGS scheme is now underway.
The Education and Training Boards (ETBs) administer much of the youth funding on behalf of the Department and employ Youth Officers to assist with this work. Strong governance and engagement arrangements are in place with each ETB. The ETBs conduct a comprehensive needs analysis and area profiling to inform policy and investment decisions.
In terms of engagement with the sector, the Department maintains close links with young people, their representatives and youth organisations through a range of structures and regular formal and informal engagement takes place to ensure that needs are addressed.
