Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 April 2024
530. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he can provide an update on the development of a youth services action plan to provide a strategic direction for the delivery of youth services over the lifetime of the Young Ireland Framework; the timeframes for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17501/24]
View answerThe Young Ireland: National Policy Framework for Children and Young People recognises the important role of youth work services in supporting young people to thrive and fully develop their potential. It acknowledges the important ongoing reform programme and further commits to the development of a new Youth Services Action Plan to provide a strategic direction for the delivery of youth services over the lifetime of the Framework.
In the process of developing this work, it was determined that there is a need for broader strategic policy vision to guide the identification of the most impactful actions. In view of this, it is intended that the final document will be a national strategy on youth work services and related non-formal developmental opportunities for young people.
Informed by extensive consultation, work is at an advanced stage in developing this document, which will focus on ensuring we have high-quality, inclusive and accessible youth work services and opportunities that support young people from all backgrounds to fully realise their potential and positively shape their own and our shared future. The new Strategy will be published in the coming months.
