Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 March 2023
26. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the definition of youth work in the Youth Work Act 2001 will be updated to reflect the additional roles, responsibilities and significance that youth workers have within their communities; if he has engaged with youth workers in relation to this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15789/23]
View answerThe Youth Work Act 2001 defines youth work in terms of it being a planned programme of education designed for the purpose of aiding and enhancing the personal and social development of young persons through their voluntary participation.
My Department provides grant funding to support a range of youth services which are delivered by youth organisations and carried out by both paid youth workers and volunteers. This substantial funding is provided to support the wide range of activities that youth workers carry out within their community.
In terms of engagement with the sector, the Department maintains close links with young people, their representatives and youth organisations through a range of structures and regular formal and informal engagement takes place to ensure that needs are addressed.
Concerns about the definition of youth work in the Youth Work Act 2001 have not been raised with my Department by youth workers or youth organisations.
My Department is happy to engage with youth workers or youth organisations on this matter.
