Jim O'Callaghan

The additional funding will go to children and young people’s services committees (CYPSCs), which bring together the main statutory, community and voluntary providers of services to children and young people.

CYPSCs are a key structure identified by government to plan and co-ordinate services for children and young people in every county in Ireland.

Policy and strategic direction for the CYPSC initiative is provided by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality. There are 27 CYPSCa nationwide and operational leadership is provided by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, through the CYPSC national office. 

CYPSCa work to enhance interagency co-operation at both a local and national level with the goal of improving outcomes for children and young people aged up to 24 years old.

The CYPSC international protection fund was first established in 2023. The fund has successfully delivered a broad range of initiatives supporting children and young people seeking international protection in Ireland.

Justice, home affairs and migration minister Jim O’Callaghan said: “I am pleased to announce further funding to support CYPSC in co-ordinating these valuable and innovative projects.

“Since it was first established two years ago, this fund has been instrumental in addressing the health and wellbeing, and integration of children and young people who are staying in international protection accommodation.

“Children and young people are often in need of enhanced support in order to engage fully in life in Ireland. The projects delivered as a result of this funding will help to make their lives better.”

Colm Brophy, minister of state for migration, added: “This funding model has proved effective in improving the mental health, wellbeing, and integration of children and young people seeking international protection in Ireland.

“I very much welcome the reiteration of the fund this year as it will enable CYPSCs to continue delivering a wide range of innovative projects that meet the needs of children and young people staying in international protection accommodation.”