Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 April 2026
483. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Education and Youth the status of plans to revise the salaries and allowances of liaison officers, youth workers, and senior youth workers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27961/26]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, I was pleased to announce that arising from Budget 2026, an additional €8 million in current and capital funding has been allocated to support the sustainability and development of youth services. This brings the overall core current and capital funding available to support existing youth services and youth work infrastructure to €94.1 million for 2026, representing a 9.3% increase on the corresponding funding available in 2025.
In 2026, the core current funding allocation of €90.1 million will support existing youth services and youth organisations across both targeted and universal provision for young people. This significant investment contributes directly to sustaining and enhancing participation levels across all youth funding schemes, which now involve over 450,000 young people nationwide.
My department, through the Youth Affairs Unit, provides core funding to youth services and organisations to support the delivery of youth work throughout the country, to offer a broad range of youth services and supports to young people aged 10-24 years, which are delivered by both paid youth workers and volunteers. Youth workers are employed by these youth services and organisations, who are responsible for all matters relating to pay, terms and conditions of employment, and compliance with statutory obligations. Any decisions on pay or conditions for staff employed by funded organisations rest with the organisations as the employers.
