Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
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406. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the amount of the 2026 youth affairs budget that is allocated for capital projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [65770/25]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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An additional €8 million in current and capital funding has been allocated to support the sustainability and development of youth services. This 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 accessible and fit for purpose in a modern youth work environment to ensure safe, modern and inclusive spaces for young people. All capital investment in the youth sector is aligned with the National Development Plan framework and forms part of the department’s approach to long-term infrastructure planning and service development.

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 the 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 the department will be available after the 2026 REV process is complete.