Thomas Gould
Ceist:332. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the current restrictions covering youth clubs. [55331/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 11 November 2021
Ceisteanna (332, 333)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:333. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if updated guidelines will be published for youth groups. [55332/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 332 and 333 together.
The Department has worked with youth services throughout the duration of the ongoing pandemic to ensure that young people, especially those who are vulnerable, continue to receive necessary supports to the greatest degree possible. Services continue to be delivered in a variety of ways, some remotely, some outdoors when weather permits, and many indoors, with strict regard to public health guidance, using multiple pods, each pod consisting of a maximum of 6 young people.
I am aware of the challenges to youthwork of being restricted to pods of six young people and I have raised this with my Government colleagues. I hope to see further easing of restrictions soon, be it with continued strict adherence to public health guidelines.
The Department has worked closely with key youth sector representatives to provide sector-specific guidance in line with the Government’s Resilience & Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19 and Reframing the Challenge: Continuing our Recovery and Reconnecting to ensure that young people continue to be supported in a manner consistent with evolving public health guidance and to address other issues arising in the sector as a result of Covid-19.
For full information on the current guidance for Youth Work Organisations please see the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/58393-guidance-for-youth-organisations-on-resuming-full-services-after-covid-19/
As we begin to move beyond the pandemic, I am committed to supporting this important sector, which has enormous value to the many young people involved and from a broader social and economic viewpoint.
Question No. 333 answered with Question No. 332.