[Oireachtas] Dail Eireann debate. Written answers 377 - 381 - Youth services [20043/11]. (12 Jul 2011)
External website: https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2...
377. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the extent to which she intends to address the ongoing issues of youth affairs with particular reference to the need to provide facilities to encourage youth in a positive and meaningful way; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20038/11]
378. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she proposes to take any particular initiative to address the social issues affecting the young population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20039/11]
379. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the extent to which she proposes to address the issue of social problems arising from youth unemployment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20041/11]
380. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans for the creation of positive opportunities for young persons who may be negatively affected by the economic situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20042/11]
381. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to address the issues caused by early school leaving, lack of employment and social exclusion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20043/11]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): I propose to take Questions Nos. 377 to 381, inclusive, together.
In the area of youth, my Department has a specific role in providing youth facilities and in supporting and promoting non-formal education and developmental opportunities for young people in out-of-school settings through which they can enhance their personal and social skills and competencies. Particular regard is had to the needs of young people between the ages of 10 and 21, and to those who are socially or economically disadvantaged including early school-leavers, homeless youth and those who are unemployed or at risk of substance misuse.
In 2011, my Department is making a total of €62.45m available to support the delivery of a range of youth work programmes and services for all young people by the voluntary youth work sector as well as the provision of a range of sport and recreational facilities and youth cafés. Youth work programmes and services are delivered to over 1.2m participants in the various programmes by some 1,100 youth work staff and by a volunteer base of over 62,000.
In particular, the Youth Affairs Unit of my Department provides targeted supports to disadvantaged, marginalised and at risk young people through the Special Projects for Youth Scheme, the Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund and Local Drugs Task Force Projects. Universal supports are also made available to all young people via the Youth Service Grant Scheme, Local Youth Club Grant Scheme, Youth Information Centres, European Youth in Action Programme (administered by Léargas – The Exchange Bureau) and Gaisce – the President’s Award. These measures are providing positive developmental opportunities for young people, enhancing their personal and social competencies, increasing social inclusion and social integration and improving school attendance and re-engagement with the formal education process.
Tuesday, 12 July 2011
Dáil Éireann Debate Vol. 737 No. 6
Dáil Éireann Debate Vol. 737 No. 6
Item Type
Dail Debates
Publication Type
Irish-related
Drug Type
All substances
Intervention Type
Harm reduction
Source
Date
12 July 2011
EndNote
Subjects
J Health care, prevention, harm reduction and treatment > Prevention by setting > Community-based prevention
L Social psychology and related concepts > Social inclusion and exclusion
MP-MR Policy, planning, economics, work and social services > Financial management > Funding
T Demographic characteristics > Adolescent / youth (teenager / young person)
T Demographic characteristics > Early school Leaver
VA Geographic area > Europe > Ireland
L Social psychology and related concepts > Social inclusion and exclusion
MP-MR Policy, planning, economics, work and social services > Financial management > Funding
T Demographic characteristics > Adolescent / youth (teenager / young person)
T Demographic characteristics > Early school Leaver
VA Geographic area > Europe > Ireland
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