Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 February 2025
951. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 1068 of 9 April 2024, to outline the progress on the development of a ‘workforce development plan for the youth sector, to support the recruitment and retention of staff and volunteers in the sector’ as committed to by her predecessor (details supplied). [2640/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraYouth workers are central to the delivery of youth services. The relationships which young people develop with their youth workers can be transformative in a young person's life.
As outlined in Action 7 of Opportunities for Youth: National Strategy for Youth Work and Related Services 2023-2028, my Department has committed to producing a Workforce Development Strategy in respect of the youth work sector, to support the recruitment and retention of staff in the sector. The Strategy will include consideration of training needs and the requirement for high-quality, accessible and inclusive youth services. The first step has been to develop a workforce survey, which was issued to the youth work sector in 2024 to establish baseline data and information on the workforce. The data and information is currently being analysed.
The next step will be to carry out consultations with a broad range of stakeholders to inform the development of the Strategy, including youth workers, youth organisations, and providers of youth work education and training. Officials will continue to engage with the youth sector throughout the development of the Strategy.
