Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 November 2025
478. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth given the research pilot on the role of Irish language youth workers in Gaeltacht communities underway, if she will provide a timeline for this; when interim findings will be expected; when future Irish language policy and practice will be shaped by this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63469/25]
View answerThe department is currently funding an Evidence-Informed Action Research Pilot focused on the role of Irish language youth workers in Gaeltacht communities. This collaborative initiative involves Mayo and Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (ETB), Kerry ETB, Muintearas, and Údarás na Gaeltachta.
The 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 project is being implemented across three Gaeltacht case study areas: Mhaigh Eo Thuaidh (Gaeltacht Iorras), Corca Dhuibhne, and Uíbh Ráthach. Practitioners in each site are undertaking a process evaluation of their local projects using a shared methodology. Over the course of a three-year funding cycle, the research will document and review the benefits, achievements, limitations, and challenges of Irish language youth work in these contexts.
Progress to Date:
• Foróige has been awarded the contract as the participating national organisation across all three sites.
• Interviews for an Oibrí Óige have concluded across all three research areas, with youth workers due to take up their roles in the coming weeks.
• The evaluation and research framework is currently being established between the Department, both ETBs, and Údarás na Gaeltachta.
It is envisioned that an interim annual report will be developed to capture progress each year, with overall findings published at the end of the pilot. The findings will be captured through a formative evaluation framework that explores whether young people enjoy the interventions, benefit from them, and engage meaningfully through the Irish language. This evidence will shape future policy and practice, ensuring that Irish language youth work is strengthened and sustained in Gaeltacht communities across the country.
