I have received the Pre-Budget Submission for Budget 2024 from the NYCI and its contents have been noted.
Budget 2024 is currently being considered by Government in the context of the annual estimates process. As this is ongoing, the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage.
My Department's current funding allocation in youth is €72.948 million in 2023. Of this, €46.29m is allocated to the UBU Your Place Your Space scheme with €691,313 provided to UBU organisations in Donegal.
The UBU Your Place Your Space Scheme provides funding to youth organisations who support disadvantaged, vulnerable and marginalised young people, including young people who may face particular mental health challenges. The scheme focuses on achieving the following personal and social development outcomes for young people:
1. Communication skills
2. Confidence and agency
3. Planning and problem-solving
4. Relationships
5. Creativity and imagination
6. Resilience and determination
7. Emotional intelligence
There is strong evidence showing that approaches which focus on building social and emotional capabilities can have greater long-term impact than ones that focus on directly seeking to reduce the "symptoms" of poor outcomes for young people.
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.
