I propose to take Questions Nos. 479, 480 and 481 together.
The Department of Education and Youth recognises the importance of supporting the Irish language within the youth work sector and is committed to exploring opportunities to strengthen this area. This commitment is reflected in the implementation of the Action Plan for Irish in English-Medium Schools, particularly Actions 2.6.2.3 and 2.6.2.4, which focus on increasing awareness of existing Irish language youth clubs and supporting the establishment of new clubs where they are not currently available.
It should be noted that afterschool activities fall under the remit of the Department of Children, Disability, and Equality, and as such, this department cannot comment on those provisions.
The strategic direction for youth clubs and services will be guided by the Opportunities for Youth: National Strategy for Youth Work and Related Services, published in September 2024. The strategy aims to build awareness of youth clubs and services, strengthen provision, and ensure accessibility for all young people.
Under Action 9, significant progress has been made on the development of a comprehensive mapping tool, including an internal dashboard. This dynamic map will serve as a central resource for young people, guardians, and educators to improve awareness of and access to youth clubs and services across the country. Irish language youth clubs will be included as part of this mapping exercise, ensuring visibility and promoting participation. This work feeds directly into Action 2.6.2.3 of the Action Plan for Irish in English-Medium Schools, which seeks to increase awareness of and encourage greater participation of children and young people in existing Irish language youth clubs.
The overarching vision is to ensure that all young people — including those who wish to engage through the Irish language — have access to safe, inclusive, fit-for-purpose spaces that support meaningful engagement, development, and participation, and that they know where these clubs are and how to access them.
Action 2.6.2.4, which seeks to support the establishment of Irish language youth clubs in areas where these are not currently available, will be implemented in conjunction with Irish language youth service providers and Education and Training Boards (ETBs), supported by Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI). This collaborative approach ensures that provision is locally responsive and aligned with national policy objectives, fostering vibrant opportunities for young people to engage with the Irish language in their communities.
As these two actions primarily fall under Youth Affairs as the policy lead, the associated funding will be drawn from the Youth Affairs budget.
I am therefore 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 the youth sector. This significant investment strengthens the foundation for inclusive, high-quality provision — ensuring continuity, expanding reach, and enabling clubs and services to respond to the evolving needs of Ireland’s diverse youth population. Importantly, this includes support for Irish language youth clubs and services.
The department remains firmly committed to supporting Irish language youth clubs at both national and local levels and recognises the vital role of inclusive, community-based engagement in all areas. The increased funding will enable Irish language youth clubs and services to continue delivering tailored supports and safe, welcoming spaces for young people across the country, while also allowing new clubs to join Youth Affairs-funded schemes. The primary mechanism for new Irish language youth clubs to access funding is through the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme (LYCGS).
The Budget 2026 documentation published sets out funding for key measures and actions agreed for the coming year. As the Deputy may be aware, in line with standard practice, the final allocation of funding for the department for 2026 will be set out in the 2026 Revised Estimates Volume (REV) which is due to be published later this year. Further details on the 2026 allocations for my department will be available after the 2026 REV process is complete.
