Aidan Farrelly (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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481. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the breakdown of the €8 million additional funding to youth affairs being made available in Budget 2026; the breakdown in terms of capital and current; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55246/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I am pleased to announce that, arising from Budget 2026, an additional €8 million in current and capital funding has been allocated to support the sustainability and development of youth services. This investment strengthens the foundation for inclusive, high-quality provision — ensuring continuity, expanding reach, and enabling services to respond to the evolving needs of Ireland’s diverse youth population.

The increased funding will support both operational delivery and infrastructure improvements across the youth sector. It will enable services to maintain and expand tailored supports for young people, while also facilitating essential upgrades to facilities, equipment, and digital infrastructure where appropriate.

The Budget documentation published sets out funding for key measures and actions agreed for the coming year. As the Deputy may be aware, in line with standard practice, the final allocation of funding for my Department for 2026 will be set out in the 2026 Revised Estimates Volume (REV) which is due to be published later this year. Further details on the 2026 allocations for my Department will be available after the 2026 REV process is complete.

Aidan Farrelly (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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482. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the capital funding as part of the €8 million additional funding to youth affairs being made available in Budget 2026 includes funding under Project Ireland 2040 where €7.55 billion will be invested in the education and youth sector over the period 2026-2030; if there will be capital funding from NDP external to the €8 million being made available to youth affairs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55247/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I am pleased to announce that, arising from Budget 2026, an additional €8 million in current and capital funding has been allocated to support the sustainability and development of youth services. This investment strengthens the foundation for inclusive, high-quality provision — ensuring continuity, expanding reach, and enabling services to respond to the evolving needs of Ireland’s diverse youth population.

The capital funding element of this €8 million forms part of the broader investment framework under Project Ireland 2040, which will see €7.55 billion invested in the education and youth sector over the period 2026–2030. This strategic investment supports the delivery of essential infrastructure and resources across the sector, including targeted capital improvements for youth services, to ensure safe, modern, and inclusive environments for young people.

Accordingly, there is no separate capital funding for youth affairs external to the National Development Plan (NDP) allocation. All capital investment in the youth sector is aligned with the NDP framework and forms part of the Department’s approach to long-term infrastructure planning and service development.

My department is now preparing an NDP implementation plan which is due for publication later in the autumn. This plan will optimise outputs from the NDP allocations, with a strong focus on maximising existing school capacity, progressing priority projects where local capacity across schools in the area is insufficient, and ensuring delivery that is affordable, offers value for money, and meets functional needs.

Eoghan Kenny (Cork North-Central, Labour)
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483. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the breakdown of the €8 million allocation for youth work in Budget 2026; the way in which this investment allows for sustainability and expansion of existing youth services for young people and service providers; the way in which it will also support essential upgrades to youth facilities equipment, and digital infrastructure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55248/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I am pleased to announce that, arising from Budget 2026, an additional €8 million in current and capital funding has been allocated to support the sustainability and development of youth services. This investment strengthens the foundation for inclusive, high-quality provision — ensuring continuity, expanding reach, and enabling services to respond to the evolving needs of Ireland’s diverse youth population.

The increased funding will allow youth services and providers to maintain and expand existing supports, enhance service delivery, and respond to emerging needs in local communities. It will also enable targeted investment in essential upgrades to youth facilities, equipment, and digital infrastructure — ensuring that services remain safe, accessible, and fit for purpose in a modern youth work environment.

The Budget documentation published sets out funding for key measures and actions agreed for the coming year. As the Deputy may be aware, in line with standard practice, the final allocation of funding for my Department for 2026 will be set out in the 2026 Revised Estimates Volume (REV) which is due to be published later this year. Further details on the 2026 allocations for my Department will be available after the 2026 REV process is complete.