Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 December 2025
631. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht further to Parliamentary Question No. 38 of 4 December 2025, if his attention has been drawn to the number of the 42 volunteer-led youth clubs which are active and meet regularly; the oversight mechanisms in place to monitor activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70897/25]
View answerÚdarás na Gaeltachta supports the provision of Irish language youth services and youth work in Gaeltacht communities through its subsidiary company, Muintearas Teo.
Muintearas Teo supports volunteer-led Irish language youth clubs active in Gaeltacht areas. These clubs play a vital role in supporting children and young people through organised activities that promote engagement and growth. Údarás na Gaeltachta informs me that €1,067,175 of funding was approved for Muintearas Teo in 2025 to deliver its work programme in the areas of youth, training, social enterprise and early childhood education.
Muintearas Teo provides funding, support, and training to volunteer-led youth clubs across Gaeltacht regions to deliver services including workshops, events and activities that are responsive to local needs and demands. The organisation currently employs a Youth Co-ordinator, two Development Officers and a Safeguarding Officer to support youth development work in clubs as well other support and training staff as part of the Muintearas Teo structure.
Volunteer-led youth clubs are supported by Muintearas Teo in a variety of ways from initial club establishment to club development, with ongoing guidance, support and training provided for volunteer recruitment and development. In addition to this, Muintearas staff support clubs with key governance requirements relating to child safeguarding and protection, vetting, safety and training needs. The NYCI Child Protection Programme is delivered through Irish to all clubs. Training and support for Garda Vetting processes is provided in accordance with National Vetting Bureau criteria, and resources/materials and training for first-aid delivery is also provided to all clubs.
I also announced additional funding of almost €0.5m for Muintearas Teo in October 2025 to further develop youth services in the Gaeltacht. This allocation will help the organisation to prioritise staff and key services and to continue building towards the improvement of youth services in Gaeltacht areas. This funding will be used to employ a Youth Manager, a Training Coordinator, a number of part-time youth workers, and to develop QQI accredited modules and courses.
