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For Oral Answer on : 03/12/2021
Question Number(s): 84 Question Reference(s): 59217/21
Department: Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
Asked by: David Stanton T.D.
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QUESTION
To ask the Minister for Children; Equality; Disability; Integration and Youth his plans to increase supports and services available to youth projects nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
REPLY
I am pleased to confirm that I secured an additional €5 million in current funding for youth services nationally as part of Budget 2022. My officials and I are currently considering how this funding will best be used to meet the needs of young people in 2022 and the various organisations and clubs that serve them. Our considerations are informed by young people themselves and the sector, with which we engage regularly.
This additional funding allocated to youth services in the coming year 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 disadvantaged, marginalised or vulnerable young people.
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.
