Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 February 2026
160. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth the way in which findings from the three-year Irish language youth work research pilot will inform mainstream funding, staffing and training, including outside Gaeltacht areas; when will translated training resources be widely accessible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13243/26]
View answerThe Department of Education and Youth, in partnership with Údarás na Gaeltachta, is funding a three-year research study on the Irish Language Youth Work Pilot Project. The purpose of this study is to explore how young people engage with youth services through the medium of Irish, and to examine the social, personal, and linguistic benefits that arise from these interventions. The findings will play a central role in informing future youth work and Irish-language policy and practice, both within and outside of Gaeltacht areas.
The Irish Language Youth Work Pilot is being delivered collaboratively by the department, Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim ETB, Kerry ETB, Muintearas CTR, and the language planning offices of the three Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas (LPAs) participating in the pilot. The project is currently underway in Uíbh Ráthach, Corca Dhuibhne and Maigh Eo Thuaidh.
An ongoing formative and summative evaluation forms a core element of this pilot. This evaluation will document and review the benefits, achievements, challenges and outcomes associated with the work of the Oibrí Óige (Youth Workers) and the young people and families who participate in the services provided through Irish over the three-year cycle.
Using both qualitative and quantitative research methods, the study aims to consider young people’s and practitioners’ experiences and will examine the features, conditions and institutional supports necessary for effective delivery.
The aims of the evaluation include:
• Assessing how, and to what extent, the model of Irish-language youth service provision meets the needs, aspirations, and personal and linguistic development of the young people involved, with reference to national policy priorities and indicators, including UBU Your Place Your Space outcomes.
• Evaluating the institutional, training and administrative structures required to support the delivery of youth work services through Irish and to ensure alignment with the broader ecosystem of language supports in Gaeltacht communities.
• Developing evidence-based recommendations to inform future policy, including the potential mainstreaming or further rollout of similar approaches.
As part of this work, training needs and resource requirements are being examined with translated training materials prepared in parallel with project delivery. Funding was provided in 2025 to both Foróige and the National Youth Council of Ireland to translate training materials into Irish, these include:
NYCI:
• NYCI Trainers Manual, components 1 – 5
• Working Safely in a Youth Club
• Romeo and Juliet defence resource
• Coco’s Law resource
These resources will be made widely accessible, with translated materials expected to become available progressively over the course of 2026 as the translation work is completed.
Foróige:
• REAL U
• Ready Steady Life
• Connect Safely
• Safeguarding statements & corresponding docs
• Safeguarding and protecting young people - Volunteers Policy
Both Connect Safely and REAL U will be available to other Irish language organisations, youth, and community groups to utilise once they have been trained in the facilitation of the programmes.
I look forward to receiving the findings of this research study, which will significantly enhance our understanding of how best to support high-quality youth work through the medium of Irish and how such approaches might be extended nationally.
