Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 February 2024
115. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he and his Department have mapped the existence of youth-focused community projects and staff across the state; if he is aware of gaps in coverage or large and populous areas without or with inadequately resourced projects and how do they intend to resolve this. [4038/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recognise the need for improved data in respect of the distribution of youth work services across the State and this is an area of priority for my officials. A mapping process is currently underway which aims to capture all youth services, both youth worker led and volunteer led.
The first stage of the mapping project is to map the 260 projects funded through the UBU scheme which provides targeted youth services to young people who are disadvantaged, marginalised or vulnerable. The mapping project will be expanded in the course of 2024 to include the mapping of youth work services funded through other schemes, including the Youth Services Grant Scheme and the local youth club grant scheme.
This mapping exercise will help to identify gaps in youth service provision and enable my Department and stakeholders to develop proposals to expand youth service provision where necessary. The mapping exercise will also provide information to young people, their parents and teachers on youth services which are available in their communities.
