Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Youth services are a lifeline for many communities in Donegal. In many towns and villages throughout the county, the only facility available to locals is the local parish hall. The Taoiseach can imagine how important this hall is, not least to young people. Youth clubs are often the sole places for socialisation outside of school and provide an important and safe space for young people to develop and come together with their peers. They give young people a sense of belonging and pride in their community. Unfortunately, since Covid, youth services in Donegal have experienced many difficulties. Having spoken to youth club leaders, I know two of the main issues are ensuring there are a sufficient number of volunteers to run the service and providing transport for young people to reach the service when it is running.

We need to address these issues immediately. Our youth services are far too important and we cannot afford to lose them. One of the suggestions put forward was to encourage Ukrainian refugees in the community with an interest in youth work and community development to consider volunteering, but that will not solve the entire problem. What will the Taoiseach do to ensure the youth services in Donegal are able to keep providing those services?

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