Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 March 2023
881. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the percentage of young people across Ireland that are involved in universal youth work; how he plans to increase this percentage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12405/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department published a report Spotlight report on Yong People's Participation in Youth Organisations on 28 February 2023. The report sets out key data on young people’s participation in youth organisations based on factors such as financial situation, housing tenure and disability, which will inform the ongoing implementation of youth-related policies and strategies. I am happy to note that young people’s participation in youth organisations in Ireland over the last decade has remained higher than the European average.
The data is sourced from European surveys and from Growing Up in Ireland, the national longitudinal study on children and young people.
Some of the key findings from the report are:
- In 2021, 23% of 16-30-year-olds in Ireland reported having ever joined a youth organisation, compared to 14% in the EU27 as a whole.
- In both Ireland and the EU27, young people who were still studying had higher percentages of participation in youth organisations than those whose education had ceased.
- The percentage of 15-30-year-olds in Ireland who participated in a youth organisation was highest for respondents living in small/mid-size towns when compared to those living in rural villages or large towns.
- In Ireland, where the household financial situation was categorised as “not enough money for basic bills”, a higher percentage of respondents reported that they had ever joined a youth organisation compared to those in other household financial situations.
- Young people’s participation in youth clubs was greater for those living in rented housing than those living in owned housing.
The data from this report will assist my Department in increasing young peoples engagement in youth services, particularly those who are marginalised, disadvantaged or vulnerable.
Link to the full press release and report: Minister O’Gorman publishes Spotlight report on Young People’s Participation in Youth Organisations
