295. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the grants that are being made available under her Department to support activities and initiatives under the EU Presidency. [66818/26]

My department is planning to establish a Presidency small grant initiative to youth services and youth clubs during Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the EU.

Youth services and youth clubs currently in receipt of funding through existing department funding mechanisms such as the Local Youth Club Grants Scheme, Youth Information services and UBU your place your space, will be eligible to apply. My department will work with Education and Training Boards (ETBs), to establish and administer this initiative.

The grants will support young people in youth services and clubs to develop projects exploring the theme of information and constructive dialogue. This theme aligns with youth goal 4 in the EU Youth Strategy, which is the youth goal agreed with Lithuania and Greece who make up Ireland's EU Presidency Trio. My department is currently finalising plans for this initiative.

My department is also supporting ETBI and Léargas to each host a Presidency event focused on the positive role Youth Work has in the lives of young people.