Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
1050. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he would engage with the National Youth Council of Ireland in relation to its concerns regarding the level of funding received by youth work services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36628/23]
View answerMy Department has established and embedded strong and open lines of communication with the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI). The NYCI have submitted their pre-Budget submission for Budget 2024 to my Department which is currently being reviewed.
My Department is making a significant investment in youth services in 2023, the full package of funding for youth services and programmes in my Department is €75 million. From 2020 to Budget 2023, current Exchequer funding for youth services and programmes increased from €61.789 million to €72.95 million, an 18% increase overall. I remain committed to supporting the future of this important sector.
