Alison Comyn (Fianna Fail)

May I also add my herzliche wilkommen to our German ambassador and also wish him alles gute zum Tag der Deutschen Einheit. I utterly condemn what is happening to the global aid flotilla. It is an outrage. Like everybody else here, I wish for the safe return of all of the participants, particularly Irish citizens and especially my colleague and friend, Senator Chris Andrews. I hope we have a good outcome on this.

With the few remaining moments I have, I amplify the voices of 114 people in my county of Louth, many of them young people, who have signed an open letter calling for greater investment in youth work in budget 2026. They are backing the National Youth Council of Ireland's call for an additional €21.3 million to protect existing services, expand access and ensure that safe, well-equipped spaces are available. As we all, know youth work supports mental health, builds confidence and life skills and provides safe places where young people can thrive, but services are under real pressure with the rising cost of living, increased demand and years of underfunding threatening their survival. This is not just about young people, but the future of our communities. In particular, it is about what we can offer these young people, who are our voices for the next generation. I therefore ask that the Deputy Leader arrange a debate with the Minister for education, Deputy McEntee, to set out clearly how we as a Government can support youth work in budget 2026 and beyond.