Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
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215. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will consider allocating funding for employment of a youth officer in each of the Gaeltacht language planning areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67353/25]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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The Department of Education and Youth recognises the importance of supporting the Irish language within the youth work sector and is committed to exploring opportunities to strengthen this area. This commitment is reflected in the implementation of the Action Plan for Irish in English-Medium Schools, particularly Actions 2.6.2.3 and 2.6.2.4, which focus on increasing awareness of existing Irish language youth clubs and supporting the establishment of new clubs where they are not currently available. Further supports are provided through the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme (LYCGS) for Irish language youth clubs, and through the Youth Services Grant Scheme (YSGS) for Irish language national youth organisations.

In addition, the department is undertaking a research pilot in Mhaigh Eo Thuaidh (Gaeltacht Iorras), Corca Dhuibhne, and Uíbh Ráthach. This research is designed to explore how An Oibrí Óige and other youth work practitioners engage with young people and their families through Irish, and how these interactions influence access to, participation in, and outcomes from youth services. The findings will be captured through a formative evaluation framework that examines whether young people enjoy the interventions, benefit from them, and engage meaningfully through the Irish language. This evidence will inform future policy and practice, with a view to ensuring that Irish language youth work is strengthened and sustained in Gaeltacht communities across the country.

Youth Officers are employed by Education and Training Boards (ETBs) to fulfil statutory functions under the ETB Act 2013. Their role is to support and coordinate youth work provision across their ETB area, ensuring compliance with national policy and funding requirements. This includes working with voluntary youth organisations, local projects, and initiatives that promote inclusion, well-being, and cultural development. Importantly, Youth Officers operate across the entire ETB area, which encompasses multiple communities and, in many cases, Gaeltacht language planning areas.

Youth Officers are not assigned to individual towns or language areas; they work strategically across the ETB’s functional area to ensure equitable access to youth services. The current model ensures that resources are used efficiently while maintaining flexibility to support Irish language initiatives within the broader youth work framework.

The department remains committed to supporting the Irish language within the youth work sector and will continue to work closely with stakeholders to identify opportunities for further development in this area.