Michael Fitzmaurice TD says that a six month long needs assessment conducted by the Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board, to determine how Government funding can be invested to provide a service for the youth of the region, will begin shortly .
Commenting on the issue Michael Fitzmaurice TD said “At a meeting last Friday briefing Oireachtas members in Roscommon the Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB) confirmed they will be providing limited interim services to the youth of Roscommon/ North East Galway to replace the services formally provided by Youth Work Ireland. The services will be provided via Youth Service providers such as the Midlands Youth Services and Foroige for the next 6 months starting in February”.
He went on to say that “Assurances were given that Ballygar, Ballaghaderreen and Roscommon Town would have services back up and running during this interim phase.”
“It was stated clearly by GRETB officials, in response to a question raised by a representative who attended on my behalf, that there were no efforts by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs to cut costs and maintained the move was simply about ensuring there is the best service possible being provided to the youth of the region” he said.
“I understand that it is quite a shock to many to see the old service wind down, and I hope that the replacement services are back up and running as soon as possible. I hope that there will be an improved service in place in the short term and in the long term the youth of the region will be best served by whatever decision is made after the interim period” he concluded.