81. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on implementation of the youth work strategy, Opportunities for Youth. [39687/25]

Sentiment score: 0.13

The opportunities for youth strategy for the period 2024 to 2028 outlines 18 priority actions to be delivered by the end of 2026, including the establishment of an interdepartmental group and a review of the Youth Work Act 2021. Will the Minister provide an update on the implementation of the strategy?

Sentiment score: 0.19

Youth work is indeed fundamental to our society. I stand here as a TD who came through youth work and youth theatre. I was a youth worker for a very long time. I see in my community the importance of youth work. Responsibility for youth has come within the remit of the Department. We very much need to keep it as a priority. There is a lot in education, and I would not like youth work, in all its guises, to be forgotten. I would love to hear more about timelines. When we plan and do new things, there is a lot of consultation. It is great the Minister recognises that there is a recruitment and retention issue regarding youth workers. A large amount of work goes into applying for funding for youth work organisations, and it takes away from the work that youth workers can do on the ground. I would love to see the funding become multi-annual. Everything comes back to the young person. I would love to hear more about timelines from the Minister.

Sentiment score: 0.17

When we know how well youth work works, we can see what happens when it is absent. In my community in Dublin South Central the Donore Avenue community centre burnt down four years ago. A number of voluntary and paid youth work services were based there. Their absence has meant more young people do not have constructive things to do, and this has led to antisocial behaviour and challenges. The thing about youth work is that it is something that is often unseen but when it is absent we know exactly what the level of need is. Given that it is July, youth workers throughout the country are doing trips. They are bringing young people everywhere and giving them great opportunities. As the Minister has said, I would love to see more young people involved. Traditionally, youth work was focused in disadvantaged areas. I would love to see every young person in Ireland who wants to access a youth service to be able to do so. I look forward to working with the Minister and I thank her very much.

Sentiment score: 0.26