Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 November 2025
483. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the engagement she has had with Irish language youth organisations as part of her engagement with relevant stakeholders as part of her broader work to promote inclusion and cultural participation among young people; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63474/25]
View answerThe Minister for Education and Youth is committed to promoting inclusion and cultural participation among young people, including through engagement with Irish language youth organisations. Currently, Feachtas and Ógras receive funding through the Youth Services Grant Scheme (YSGS). In addition, funding is also available to Irish language youth clubs across the country through the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme (LYCGS), which is administered by local Education and Training Boards (ETBs). These clubs include Feachtas, Ógras, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, Óige na Gaeltachta, and Muintearas.
As part of this work, the Minister engaged directly with Feachtas and Ógras at the National Youth Organisation Forum held in the Department of Education and Youth on 1 October 2025. During this forum, the Minister participated in round-table discussions with these organisations on a range of youth-related topics, including the promotion of the Irish language within the youth sector. In addition, the Minister has had direct dialogue with other national youth organisations such as the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) and Foróige, both of which are actively working to promote inclusion and cultural participation, including initiatives that support the Irish language.
The Department remains committed to working in partnership with these organisations to ensure that Irish language youth work and clubs continues to grow and that young people across Ireland have access to vibrant, culturally rich opportunities that celebrate our linguistic heritage.
