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Youth Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 July 2021

Tuesday, 6 July 2021

Ceisteanna (398)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

398. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the extent to which the need has arisen to develop and expand youth services with particular reference to issues that may have arisen during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36473/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Young people have been severely affected by the restrictions to protect public health during this pandemic. This has been borne out by multiple research reports including “How's Your Head?”, a national consultation commissioned by my Department.

In recognition of the vital role played by youth work in providing support to young people, funding levels have been maintained throughout the current challenging period. My Department has also engaged with the sector to develop sector specific guidance which were updated at each point there was an update in the Covid-19 measures.

I secured an increase of €5 million in funding for youth services in 2021. €66.8 million is being provided to youth services nationwide this year. Funding during Covid-19 restrictions was maintained. The additional funding allocated to youth services in 2021 will support the delivery of universal and targeted youth services nationwide, with a particular view to the role played by youth services in fostering resilience and developing the social and personal competencies of young people.

In terms of developing new youth services, I secured an additional €1 million for the provision of new UBU Your Place Your Space services in 2021. Six Education and Training Boards (ETBs), who did not form part of the Sample Services process in 2016 and 2017, were pre-selected to establish new services. These ETBs are:

- City of Dublin ETB

- Donegal ETB

- Kerry ETB

- Laois and Offaly ETB

- Louth and Meath ETB

- Waterford and Wexford ETB

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