Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 March 2022
326. 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 in County Kildare and nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15682/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials from my Department meet with various youth organisations on an individual basis when the need arises, in regular formal meetings with individual organisations or as a group, and by maintaining informal contacts.
Throughout Covid-19, the Department engaged with a representative group from the sector on pandemic specific issues including the regular updating of national guidelines for the youth sector relating to COVID. This group will meet again as needed to address any changes in public health guidance.
My Department provides funding to all 16 Education and Training Boards (ETB) (including Kildare/Wicklow ETB) to support youth services in their area and to support the work of the 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 the ETBs and these meetings assist my Department in identifying service needs and emerging issues, particularly for vulnerable young people.
My officials also maintain contact with all 30 national youth organisations funded under the Youth Service Grant Scheme and with Gaisce. This has included meetings twice a year in an open forum attended by myself and officials. The schedule was impacted by Covid-19, I met with them as meetings resumed on line in July of last year. Earlier this month, I met with the national youth organisations again in an online setting. Such meetings are important as I hear first hand information on national issues and on any specific matters that national youth organisations consider may benefit from additional focus.
As we begin to move beyond the pandemic, the Department will continue to ensure there is sufficient engagement with this important sector which provides enormous value to young people.
