Dublin based youth workers and young people met with politicians in Leinster House on Wednesday (27th March) to discuss the impact further cuts will have on the vital work carried out by youth projects in the city.
The meeting followed the announcement that the Minister for Children, Frances Fitzgerald, is seeking to impose a further 10% funding cut on City of Dublin Youth Services Board (CDYSB) youth projects.
Sinn Féin TD, Sandra McLellan, facilitated the meeting between both opposition and Government politicians and over 40 young people.
Youth projects help guide the personal and social development of young people, particularly in areas of disadvantage. There are 70 CDYSB youth projects engaging with 28,341 young people. This infrastructure also supports 2,926 volunteers.
SIPTU Sector Organiser, Darragh O’Connor, said: “Since 2009, projects funded by the CDYSB have experienced a 25% cut in funding, this has resulted in pay cuts, redundancies and a reduction in services for young people. Any further cuts are simply unsustainable.”
He added: “A recent Indecon report showed that for every €1 spent on youth work, the State saves €2.22 on other services. SIPTU members are calling on the minister, Frances Fitzgerald, to recognise the social, personal and economic benefits of youth work and reverse this cut. The union and the young people affected are committed to continuing their campaign until the cuts decision is reversed.”
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