Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
776. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the actions that have been taken by his Department in response to the survey of Youthreach employees undertaken by his Department in 2023; and if he will publish the findings of that survey. [73348/25]
View answerMy Department did not conduct a survey of Youthreach employees in 2023. The Deputy may be referring to work currently being undertaken by my officials to examine a claim submitted by the TUI in relation to a standardised calendar year for Youthreach. My Department has been engaging with the TUI on this over a number of years and agreed on a structured approach to consider their claim. As part of this process, officials have undertaken a comprehensive data collection exercise, including a review of all literature on Youthreach since 2019. Officials have also consulted with key stakeholders. Officials are currently finalising a paper, which I expect to receive for consideration in the coming weeks.
Given the significance of the proposed changes to the delivery of this important national programme, I am sure the Deputy will agree that, in considering TUI’s proposal, a thorough and evidence-informed process is essential.
