57. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will advise an organisation (details supplied) as to how they can secure funding for a dedicated youth worker; if she accepts that the work of this organisation would be hugely enhanced with the appointment of a permanent youth worker; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67368/26]

The department is dedicated to enhancing the delivery and development of youth work services and opportunities for young people across the country.

Funding for the provision of targeted youth services is administered on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth by education and training boards (ETBs), which allocate funding via applications to the UBU Your Place Your Space (UBU) scheme. This scheme is aimed at young people between the ages of 10 and 24 who are, or are at risk, of becoming disadvantaged, marginalised or vulnerable.

Over €54 million?has?been?allocated?to UBU in 2026.  The scheme provides funding to 258 targeted youth services across the 16 ETBs which coordinate delivery of funding to the services in their local ETB areas.

Key to achieving the aims of the scheme is the development of the Area Profile and Needs Assessment Tool. The purpose of this tool is to allow each ETB to avail of quantitative and qualitative information to objectively identify the needs of young people within their functional area. This analysis leads to the development of a Service Requirement which is then used as the basis for discussion between ETBs and service providers in terms of service delivery to meet the needs of young people in the area. The approach ensures that the department can target funding and supports to the young people most in need of intervention and that funding is allocated based on evidence-informed need.

I advise that any service in the New Ross area wishing to apply for funding should liaise with Waterford Wexford ETB in the first instance.