Conor D McGuinness
Question:108. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Youth her plans to address the recruitment and retention crisis impacting the youth work sector. [29015/26]
View answerWednesday, 22 April 2026
Questions (108)
Written answers
The strategic framework for the youth work sector, Opportunities for Youth: National Strategy for Youth Work and Related Services 2024-2028, commits to producing a Workforce Development Strategy, to include consideration of training needs and the requirement for high-quality, accessible and inclusive youth work services and opportunities.
The department has engaged extensively with youth workers, youth services and youth organisations and is aware of the recruitment and retention challenges being experienced by the youth work sector. As part of the preparatory work to deliver the Workforce Strategy, and to establish baseline data and information, a workforce survey for youth workers was undertaken, followed by a workforce questionnaire for employers. The analysis of the data and information will directly inform the key areas of focus in the forthcoming Strategy.
Consultations are scheduled to take place with the youth work sector and other key stakeholders in May and June this year which will build on the data acquired to date, and provide my department with a more in-depth understanding of the challenges experienced by youth organisations in workforce recruitment and retention.
Officials will continue to engage with the youth sector throughout the development of the Workforce Strategy.