Limerick Youth Service

Intent: Youth Workers have fallen significantly behind similar workers terms and salary and conditions. The Department needs to treat them equally with others.::Funding for front line Youth Services and projects has fallen way behind inflation in recent years::Youth Clubs and Youth Information Centers need particular help in recovering from Covid and providing quality services. In particular, national organizations need to be provided with sufficient funding to recruit, support, retain and honor volunteer youth workers. ::There needs to be a proper capital budget for youth facilities particularly given the large surpluses Government has::Young people need a range of help in areas like housing, health, education and employment

Methods: Meeting, Email

Intent: Limerick Youth Service staff would advocate at lobbying event to discuss with elected representatives the challenges in the youth work sector and to call for an additional €15 million for youth work in the 2025 budget

Methods: Lobby day

Intent: Commitment of funding in 2025 in line with funding committed in 2024, paid quarterly in advance and subject to agreement with owners of building

Methods: Email

Intent: Confirm that Limerick Youth Service have engaged in discussion with LCCC in relation to continued funding for Southside Youth Space

Methods: Phone call

Intent: Our Independence: 1. A cabinet committee on youth and ministerial responsibility at the highest level. 2. Maintain the central role of the voluntary section in youth work provision. 3. Prioritise frontline work over administration and disproportionate compliance. ::Workforce: 4. Equal treatment for Youth - the same support package provided to Section 10, 39 & 56 workers.::Funding: 5. Provide catch up funding to reach pre financial crash levels and to cope with critical inflationary impacts and support youth clubs. ::Space: 6. A significant capital programme for youth facilities supported by rainy day funds::Health:7. A properly functioning CAMHS service and a pilot scheme of youth counseling delivered by Youth Services under a National health Strategy for young people.::Homes: 8. Implementation of the Youth Homelessness Strategy and proper data on the issue. 9. Legal clarity for licensees in shared rented properties particularly the rent a room scheme is required. ::Future: 10. I

Methods: Lobby day

Intent: Confirmation of ESIF funding for Southside Youth Space until December 2024

Methods: Phone call

Intent: 1. Equitable Treatment for Youth Workers: Youth workers have significantly fallen behind comparable professions in terms of salary and working conditions. It is imperative that the Department addresses this inequity and ensures that youth workers receive terms and conditions commensurate with the vital roles they fulfill::2. Adequate Funding for Frontline Youth Services: Over recent years, funding for frontline youth services and projects has not kept pace with inflation. To continue delivering essential services, these funding gaps must be addressed in the upcoming budget::3. Support for Youth Clubs and Youth Information Centers: These centers have encountered substantial challenges in recovering from the impacts of COVID-19. National organizations, in particular, require sufficient funding to effectively recruit, support, retain, and honor volunteer youth workers, who are integral to these services::4. Capital Budget for Youth Facilities: Given the Government’s substantial budget sur

Methods: Email

Intent: Reiterate the importance of Youth Services. Highlight the need for universal services and less restrictive requirements, presently project/funding requirement is very specific and targeted interventions. Need for multi annual funding to ensure proper planning. Highlight the compliance burden on voluntary & community organisations. Need for staff remuneration and terms & conditions to match the public sector.

Methods: Meeting

Intent: For Limerick City & County Council to consider the purchase of a building in the area as a municipal building to house organisations to deliver youth work provisions and supports in the community

Methods: Email, Meeting

Intent: Support for young people in rural and isolated areas: Youth Club Development Staff should be funded in all areas. Local link transport services should ensure good linkage with youth facilities at appropriate times.::Equality for Youth Workers - Funding needs to be provided to ensure youth workers are covered by the WRC recommendations. As part of the new Action Plan for Youth Services, a proper model for funding youth services and their staff must be developed.::Intervention to secure suitable buildings in appropriate areas in Limerick City, especially in Garryowen and Southill areas of Limerick City.

Methods: Email, Event / Reception