Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 July 2021
399. 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 representatives with a view to establishing the highest possible contact and dialogue in order to meet their requirements to an even greater extent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36474/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy 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.
