Press release
Minister O’Gorman invites views to develop a new Action Plan for Youth Services
From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
Published on
Last updated on
The Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, today launched a public consultation to inform the development of a new Action Plan for Youth Services. A commitment under the forthcoming new National Policy Framework for Children and Young People, the new Action Plan for Youth Services will enhance young people’s opportunities and outcomes through accessible and high-quality youth services.
The purpose of the new Action Plan for Youth Services will be to set out a clear policy and strategic direction for the further development of youth services in Ireland and to identity key actions to improve access and quality and to enhance the role of youth services in supporting young people’s well-being and improving their lives. It is also expected to include a focus on the enablers of quality services, including robust data and research and the key role of youth workers and volunteers.
Public provision for youth services in Ireland is aimed at creating quality youth worker-or volunteer-facilitated opportunities, activities and supports that enable young people to thrive, to develop their potential and to become full participants within society. In 2022, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth provided almost €75 million to support the delivery of youth clubs, projects and programmes throughout the country. Data from the National Growing Up in Ireland Survey indicates that 34% of those surveyed at aged 13 and 14% at aged 17/18 had participated in a youth club or group of some kind.
Minister O’Gorman commented:
“We know that youth services play a vital role in helping young people to develop their confidence and tackle the complex challenges they may face. For some, youth services can be truly transformational and I have seen this first-hand when visiting youth services throughout the country."
The Minister continued:
"While the Irish youth sector is a diverse and complex sector, what unites it is a commitment to the positive potential of all young people. We want to make sure that this commitment is supported at a policy level by a strong strategic vision and a suite of actions that will ensure young people can get maximum benefit from these opportunities.”
The new Action Plan for Youth Services is to be finalised by the end of 2023. The Public Consultation to inform its development will be open from today until Friday 14 July. Organisations and individuals are invited to complete a submission and/or a short survey.
The Minister concluded:
"I would strongly encourage everyone to respond to the Call for Submissions or to complete the short survey and to share it. Youth services are a key public good that we all have an interest in. It is important that we have the views of the public as well as young people themselves, their parents and guardians, those who work and volunteer with young people across different sectors as well as civil society organisations."