331. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when she plans to launch the new targeted youth funding scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50720/19]

I am currently working closely with Government colleagues and the officials in my Department to complete the final phase of preparation of the targeted youth funding scheme, with a view to launching the scheme before Christmas.

The targeted youth funding scheme will streamline and strengthen four existing, overlapping schemes.

The new scheme is designed to support for young people who are marginalised, disadvantaged, or vulnerable and whose outcomes fall short of general population outcomes. It aims to provide services that support young people to develop the personal and social skills required to improve their life chances, including with respect to their health, education, employment and social connectedness.

The design of this scheme has been the subject of considerable collaboration with the youth sector over the last five years. Once the scheme has been launched, applications will then be opened in 2020, with a view to having the scheme fully operational before year-end 2020.