Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 September 2025
456. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the total funding given by her Department to an organisation (details supplied) over the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51477/25]
View answerMy department provides significant funding to the organisation in question and the wider youth sector. Arising from Budget 2025, €84.9m has been allocated for current and capital expenditure for the benefit of young people, an increase in funding of €7 million, or almost 9%, on the 2024 budget. Over the period from 2020 to 2025, the level of current Exchequer funding for youth services and programmes will have increased by over 34%.?
Part of the additional funding in 2025 was directed to a 5.5% increase in funding to national youth organisations, including the organisation in question, under the Youth Services Grant Scheme (YSGS). This scheme plays a crucial role in supporting youth work organisations, helping ensure that young people have access to youth clubs and services that foster their growth and engagement. More than €1.5m has been allocated to the organisation in question under the Scheme this year, including continued funding to assist with the cost of staffing its safeguarding office.
Over the past five-year period, core funding allocated to Scouting Ireland has increased by approximately 32.44%. Prior to the transfer of functions of the Youth Affairs Unit to the Department of Education and Youth, this funding was administered by the then Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. The increase reflects continued Government support for the organisation’s contribution to youth development nationwide.
In addition to core funding, Scouting Ireland has also received additional funding during this period, including support through the Youth Climate Justice Fund and an allocation to assist with hosting the World Scouting Moot.
A breakdown of funding to Scouting Ireland over the past five-year period can be found in the table below.
|
- |
YSGS |
Covid-19 |
Capital |
YCJF |
Moot |
Once off |
|
2020 |
€1,135,930 |
|
€50,000 |
€49,000 |
€40,000 |
|
|
2021 |
€1,267,687 |
€110,000 |
€50,000 |
€47,709 |
|
|
|
2022 |
€1,305,759 |
|
€44,564 |
€39,200 |
|
|
|
2023 |
€1,357,989 |
|
€40,000 |
€71,420 |
|
|
|
2024 |
€1,425,888 |
|
NIL |
|
|
|
|
2025 |
€1,504,312 |
|
NIL |
|
|
€49,200 |
