Increased prioritisation of youth work as part of a department with young people at its centre welcomed
The National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) has warmly welcomed the Government’s decision to move responsibility for youth and youth work to the reconfigured ‘Department of Education and Youth’. It says this decision demonstrates a continued commitment to recognising and prioritising the needs and challenges of young people in Ireland.
A positive step for young people and youth work
Reacting to the announcement, Mary Cunningham, CEO of NYCI, said: “The renewed focus on youth as part of a department with young people at its core sends a strong message that young people remain central to government policy and that youth work is valued for its transformative impact on individuals and communities. We commend the Government for recognising the importance of youth work as non-formal education, and the role it plays in ensuring young people’s voices are heard.”
“Ireland’s growing youth population faces increasing challenges, including mental health pressures, housing insecurity, and employment barriers. Retaining a dedicated focus on youth within this new department is an essential step toward addressing these issues effectively and ensuring young people have access to the support and opportunities they need to thrive” added Ms Cunningham.
Commitment to collaboration
NYCI and its member organisations are committed to working closely with the incoming Minister, Helen McEntee, TD, as well as Government, policymakers, and stakeholders to ensure that the commitments related to young people and youth work in the Programme for Government translate into meaningful action.
To help ensure this can happen, NYCI is urging the Government to:
- Appoint a Junior Minister with responsibility for Youth
- Establish a Cabinet Sub-Committee for Youth.
- Create an Oireachtas Committee for Youth.
“These structures are critical to addressing the unique challenges faced by young people and ensuring youth work receives the support and recognition it deserves. The future of our young people depends on decisions made today, and we need structures to ensure their needs are prioritised,”
Clarity needed on National Youth Work Strategy
The NYCI has also called for clarity on the implementation of the recently published Opportunities for Youth: National Strategy for Youth Work and Related Services. The organisation is concerned that the Programme for Government demonstrates a limited understanding of youth work as it references a new Youth Services Action Plan when, during the development of this plan, it was decided that it should be a strategy rather than an action plan. This led to the development and launch in September 2024 of Opportunities for Youth.
“Opportunities for Youth is a vital roadmap for the future of youth work in Ireland, and we urge the Government to ensure its full implementation. This strategy is vital for addressing the significant challenges facing young people and the youth work sector, including funding, recruitment, and retention,” added Ms Cunningham.
“Today’s decision is a positive step, but it must be accompanied by real investment and support for the youth work sector. Over the next five years, we will hold the Government to account to ensure that young people and youth work remain at the heart of national policy,” concluded Ms Cunningham.