Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I again thank Deputy Cummins for raising this important matter today. I note the points she made and her acknowledgement of the survey and the benefits it will bring. I note her point on a committee for young people. That matter will be brought to the attention of the Minister, Deputy Foley.

While providing adequate funding of youth work and youth services is essential, it is also paramount that youth workers themselves are supported with access to development pathways. Provision of high quality, inclusive youth work services is a key goal of Opportunities for Youth: the National Strategy for Youth Work and Related Services. As with many other sectors, there are challenges around recruitment and retention. Making the sector attractive and meaningful to work in is essential in achieving a sustainable model of youth work services and ensuring they are accessible to all young people. To address this, action 7 of Opportunities for Youth aims to produce a workforce development strategy in respect of the youth work sectors to address and support the needs of youth workers. Action 14 of Opportunities for Youth aims to implement an updated sector-wide national quality standards framework. Youth work, qualified, well-supported and trained youth workers contribute significantly to the quality of the services provided in youth services throughout the country. The Minister, Deputy Foley, and her Department are confident that this strategic approach to supporting youth work and youth workers will build on the driven, committed and compassionate work currently being delivered by youth work services across Ireland.

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