Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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242. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for an update on “Opportunities for Youth National Strategy for Youth Work and Related Services”; if she is committed to funding this and to its implementation, given that it is not included in the Programme for Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4940/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Opportunities for Youth: National Strategy for Youth Work and Related Services 2024 – 2028, which aims to provide a more strategic, data-driven, and joined-up approach to the delivery of youth work and related services in Ireland, was published on 18 September, 2024.

I am committed to ensuring that the funding secured in Budget 2025 will support the implementation of this important national strategy, and I am pleased to advise that work is underway on a number of actions for which the Department is the lead, including the Workforce Development Plan and the mapping of services. Officials are also currently developing the implementation approach to support the delivery of agreed Opportunities for Youth actions, and ensure effective mainstreaming of strategic objectives.