Minister Foley publishes Young Ireland Progress Report

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, has today published the Young Ireland Progress Report.

Young Ireland, the National Policy Framework for Children and Young People was published in November 2023. Its vision is to make Ireland a country where the rights of all children and young people are fully recognised and respected.

The Policy Framework focusses on tackling the biggest challenges that affect children and young people in Ireland today. One of its key aims is to establish robust structures to ensure that children and young people’s rights are foremost whenever decisions are made that affect their lives.

This Progress Report highlights significant achievements and ongoing work up to the end of 2024, including:

• the publication of the Participation of Children and Young People in Decision-Making: Action Plan 2024-2028.
• the expansion of the school meals programme to non-DEIS schools.
• increased investment in foster care allowances.
• commencement of the Criminal Justice (Engagement of Children in Criminal Activity) Act 2024, aimed at addressing the grooming of children for criminal activity.

Minister Foley recently hosted a meeting of the Children and Young People’s Policy Forum (the high-level interdepartmental group responsible for implementation of Young Ireland), and emphasised the importance of continued progress on this vital area.

Speaking about the report, Minister Foley said

“I am delighted to announce the publication of the Young Ireland Progress Report. It is heartening to see how much work has been progressed to improve outcomes for children and young people in the country. While much work remains to be done, the Government is committed to delivering on the actions in Young Ireland, and improve the lives of children and young people across the country.”

ENDS

The Young Ireland Progress Report can be accessed here.

More information about children’s rights, Young Ireland, and the Young Ireland Progress Report can be found on the Young Ireland website, www.gov.ie/YoungIreland.