199. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will consider increasing youth work funding to pre-austerity levels, adjusted for inflation and population growth, including costs for pay parity for youth workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39440/24]

From 2020 to 2024, current Exchequer funding provided by my Department for youth services and programmes increased from €61.79 million to €77.95 million, a 26% increase overall.

In respect of Budget 2025, I have secured a further significant increase to existing youth schemes to .€84.79 million This increased allocation will support the expansion of both targeted and universal services for young people, including the opening of 10 new UBU youth services. I have also secured additional funding to address holiday hunger among young people accessing youth services.

On the matter of pay parity for youth workers, my Department does not directly employ youth workers. Rather, funding is allocated on a 'provision of service' basis to meet the needs of the youth population in an area. The employment of staff including youth workers is a matter for the relevant youth organisations and services in receipt of funding.