Views Invited to Develop a New Action Plan for Youth Services
The Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, has 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.
The new Action Plan for Youth Services is to be finalised by the end of 2023. Organisations and individuals are invited to complete a submission and/or a short survey.
You can submit your views in one of two ways, before midnight Friday, 14 July 2023:
- By written submission, using the template below, emailed to youthactionplan@equality.gov.ie
You can send the submission on your own behalf, or on behalf of your organisation. Submissions can be made in Irish or in English.