Aidan Farrelly (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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806. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if she will provide an update on the procurement of an external project management agency to design a project plan setting out key deliverables and dates of Opportunities for Youth: National Strategy for Youth Work and Related Services 2024–2028, in consultation with the identified leads and partners; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16755/25]

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

Since its publication in September 2024, work has been underway on implementing a number of actions for which the Department is the lead, including the Workforce Development Plan and the mapping of services.

My officials had also started to develop the implementation approach to support the delivery of agreed actions and ensure effective mainstreaming of strategic objectives.

However, as the Deputy is aware, following the formation of the new Government on the 23 January 2025, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin appointed Deputy Helen McEntee as Minister for Education and Youth, while I was appointed Minister for Children, Disability and Equality. This restructuring requires a transfer of functions between our Departments, with the responsibility for Youth transferring from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to the Department of Education.

The approach taken to implement the actions under Opportunities for Youth will be advanced and agreed with the Department of Education & Youth once the transfer of functions is fully complete.