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Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 December 2021

Wednesday, 8 December 2021

Ceisteanna (91, 92)

Kathleen Funchion

Ceist:

91. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the breakdown and a detailed explanation will be provided of the additional €5 million youth services funding to assist youth organisations as Covid-19 restrictions lift. [60686/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Kathleen Funchion

Ceist:

92. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the breakdown of the €73 million youth funding for UBU your place your space; the additional new services for 2022; and if this is in addition to the €5 million outlined in his Budget 2022 announcement. [60687/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 91 and 92 together.

As the Deputy states, I secured an additional €5 million in current funding for youth services nationally as part of Budget 2022. My officials and I are currently finalising the detailed breakdown of how this funding will be used in 2022 and as such, I am not in a position as yet to share this, but I would hope to do so shortly.

In general terms however, I can say that this additional funding will support the delivery of universal and targeted youth services nationwide, with a particular view to the role played by youth services in supporting mental wellbeing, fostering resilience and developing the social and personal competencies of young people, including those that are disadvantaged, marginalised or vulnerable.

In recent years, funding for the provision of youth services has increased on an annual basis. Between 2016 and now moving into 2022, the annual current youth funding available to my Department will have increased from €51.9 million to €71.79 million. Including capital allocations, the total funding next year will be €73 million.

The additional funding secured for Youth Services is particularly important given the disproportionate impact Covid-19 has had on young people. This additional funding will allow us to re-engage young people in youth services, re-engage and train volunteers, and provide new youth services where needed.

It is now more critical than ever that our young people are supported as they experience the social, economic, physical and mental health impacts of the pandemic. In recognition of the vital role played by youthwork services in providing such support to young people, funding levels have been maintained throughout the current challenging period. This has enabled the youth sector to continue to provide supports to young people, particularly to marginalised, disadvantaged and vulnerable young people. The increased funding in 2022 will enable DCEDIY to offer more supports to existing services, to help them reach more young people, and will enable the introduction of brand new services across the country.

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.

The Budget 2022 Expenditure Report set out the proposal for youth services funding in 2022. Further details on the allocation of resources across youth services from my Department will be made available following publication of the Revised Estimates Volume for the Public Service (REV).

Question No. 92 answered with Question No. 91.
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