Nicole Ryan (Sinn Fein)

I will raise an issue I raised previously in the House: greater investment in youth work and youth services. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with youth workers on the ground. I have seen the impact they can have in offering guidance, support and a safe place for young people to just be themselves. They are not just community leaders They are often a lifeline for young people who are facing isolation, mental health struggles or risky situations. Despite their dedication, they are being asked to do more with less and are being underfunded, overstretched and undervalued. In many rural areas, there are no structured youth services at all. Young people are falling through the cracks simply because of where they live. There is no access to diversion projects, youth cafés or safe spaces to gather. This is not just a rural issue. It is a national failure of planning and priority.

We talk a lot about prevention and early intervention but without consistent core funding for youth work we are setting up our young people to have problems in future, such as mental health issues, substance abuse and, sometimes, contributing to antisocial behaviour. Will the Minister for Children, Equality and Disability come to the House to set out how she will properly fund and expand youth services, especially in areas that are chronically underserved? Youth work does change lives but only if we support it.