Aidan Farrelly (Kildare North, Social Democrats)

I thank the Minister and the Ministers of State for the opportunity to speak on this issue this evening. In doing so, as a very proud dad and youth worker, I want to maintain my focus this evening on the young people of Ireland. Professional youth workers in Ireland are doing a phenomenal job in working with young LGBTQI+ people to ensure they have a safe space to learn, share experiences, have fun and develop a critical social analysis.

Speaking after this year's Dublin Pride, the CEO of BeLonG To, an organisation doing some of the most important work with young people, educators and policymakers, Moninne Griffith, said:

This year marks 10 years since the marriage equality referendum. At that time, Ireland told LGBTQI+ young people it was safe to come out and to be who they are. Today, with a small but loud minority trying to roll back on LGBTQI+ rights and inclusion, we're still fighting to make this a reality. Young people and the ... community cannot achieve this on our own.

Ms Griffith continued:

For the majority in Ireland today, we know that the values of compassion, openness and inclusivity are core. That is who we are as a nation.

That is why BeLonG To marched under both the progress Pride flag and our Tricolour, because Ireland remains a loving, caring place and that flag belongs to all of us.

However, the current situation for young people is very difficult in Ireland. The Being LGBTQI+ in Ireland study in 2024 found that young people in this community experience twice the level of suicide ideation, five times the level of suicide attempts and three times the level of severe symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress of the general population. These levels have increased since the last time this research was done in 2016. We know that online the hate that is fuelling this discrimination continues to grow among that small minority. That is why I use my 30 seconds to say it as many times as I can: youth workers in this country are doing a phenomenal, untold good for our society, for the young people who cannot find that space, whether they are in BeLonG To, Youth Work Ireland, Foróige or any of those small independent organisations. They are a haven. I implore this Government and all of us here to do what we can to make sure every community has a youth work service.

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