The GRETB has been allocated almost €2.5 million in funding for its work with young people in 2021 across four main programmes.
Minister for for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman announced that €47.7 million will go towards 16 ETBs for the provision of varied youth services this year.
The bulk of the funding for the GRETB, €2,009,414, comes under the Targeted Youth Funding Scheme/UBU Your Place Your Space programmes.
A further €265,562 has been allocated under the ETB Youth Grant 2021, and €145,766 comes under the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme.
The final strand of funding announced is €52,028 as part of the Youth Information Centres scheme for a nationwide programme of modernisation.
Minister O’Gorman stated “In this last dramatic year, I have been very impressed by the passion and determination at every level of the youth sector in responding to a wide range of challenges, not least of which is supporting our young people at the time of a global pandemic.
“I have also been impressed at the ability of the sector to harness innovation to the benefit of all young people and it is my hope that I can support this in the period ahead.”
UBU Your Place Your Space provides funding to over 250 targeted youth services across 16 Education and Training Boards.
The programme began on July 1, 2020, replacing previous targeted youth funding arrangements.
Minister German said “I have enormous respect for the transformative effect that comes from quality youth work with young people.”
“I think recent history has shown what we have been saying from some time, funding for youth services changes lives, makes economic sense, and promotes equity, inclusion and social cohesion.”
