Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

38. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the measures he is taking to support youth work in Gaeltachta areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68490/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Údarás na Gaeltachta supports the provision of Irish language youth work in Gaeltacht communities through its subsidiary company Muintearas Teo.

With responsibility for youth development in the Gaeltacht, Muintearas Teo currently supports 42 volunteer-led youth clubs and, in conjunction with local language planning organisations, funds the provision of part-time youth workers across a small number of Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas.

In October 2025, I approved additional funding of up to €493,509 was approved for Muintearas Teo to develop an expanded youth services programme in the Gaeltacht starting in 2026. This allocation will help the organisation to prioritise staff and key services to continue building towards the improvement of youth services in Gaeltacht areas. It will be used to employ a Youth Manager, a Training Coordinator and additional part-time youth workers and to develop QQI accredited modules and courses.

Muintearas Teo also administers Tionscnamh Óige Mhuintearais under the UBU Your Place Your Space scheme funded through the Department of Education and Youth. This service provides targeted support to young people aged 10–24 across South Connemara, addressing issues such as social marginalisation, mental health and drug and alcohol misuse. It also delivers workshops for young people who are unemployed or not in education, employment or training (NEETs).