Government accused of targeting youth work budgets

The government is being accused of disproportionately targeting youth work budgets for further cuts.

That is the message being sent by Siptu members who are set to stage a rally outside Dáil Éireann in protest at the cuts this morning.

The rally is being held as Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald addresses a joint Oireachtas committee on Health and Children.

Siptu Organiser, Paul Hansard, said the cuts are effectively "binning" young people's future in disadvantaged areas.

"They are special youth service projects, and it's essential you give empowerment to these kids and give direction so they don't go down the wrong path in life."