Erin McGreehan
Question:166. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the funding allocated in 2026 for youth services and youth workers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40711/26]
View answerThursday, 28 May 2026
Questions (166)
Written answers
As the Deputy is aware, arising from Budget 2026, an additional €8 million in current and capital funding was secured to support the sustainability and development of youth services. This brings the overall core funding available for youth services and youth work infrastructure to €94.1 million in 2026, representing a 9.3% increase on 2025.
Of this, €90.1 million in current funding will support existing youth services and organisations delivering both targeted and universal provision for young people. This investment sustains services that now engage over 450,000 young people nationwide. Core schemes, including the Youth Services Grant Scheme and the UBU Your Place Your Space scheme, have received increases to support organisations in maintaining services and addressing operational pressures.
The UBU scheme remains the largest programme, with over €53 million allocated in 2026 to support 258 youth services working with young people who are marginalised or at risk. Ten new UBU services were created in 2025 which are now coming on stream in 2026. Targeted supports such as the Resilience and Effectiveness Initiative, with €1.1 million allocated, will assist organisations in addressing financial challenges and strengthening service delivery. In addition, over €1.2 million is being provided for the Targeted Youth Employability Support Initiative, helping young people not in education or training to build skills and confidence.
The department also continues to strengthen the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme as a key universal support for volunteer-led youth work. Funding for the scheme has increased from €2.1 million in 2020 to €2.8 million in 202.
Taken together, this funding demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting youth services and youth workers and ensuring high-quality, sustainable youth services nationwide.