Funding for the provision of targeted youth services, such as that provided to Waterford and South Tipperary Community Youth Service, is administered on behalf of my Department by the Education and Training Boards (ETBs).
The full package of funding for youth services and programmes in my Department is over €75.6 million. This includes €72.95 million for current funding, an increase of €1.159 million, and €2.7 million in capital funds, an increase of €1.2 million, for minor works, equipment, and contributions towards playgrounds with local authorities.
I intend for the increases to the Budget 2023 allocation to focus on further investment in local and national youth organisations. In particular the funding schemes of UBU Your Place Your Space, the Youth Services Grant Scheme and Youth Information Centres.
This additional funding supports the delivery of youth clubs and targeted youth services, 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.
My officials are examining Budget 2023's allocation for youth services and programmes in advance of the publication of the Revised Estimates Volume.
