The National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) is calling on the next government to provide young people with ‘adequate access to youth services and policies that improve their lives.’
The council, which represents organisations working with young people nationwide, has today published its election manifesto.
It includes recommendations to appoint a dedicated Minister for Youth, extend the voting age to 16 year olds, and restore youth work funding to pre-austerity levels – adjusted for inflation and population growth.
The manifesto is supported by new data from research conducted by RedC for NYCI which reveals significant public concerns and highlights “a pressing need for political action and support for the youth work sector,” according to the organisation.
- 66%agree: “There are not enough facilities for young people in my area.”
- 58%disagree with the statement: “The funding and resources available to youth work services are enough to provide secure and supportive spaces for young people.”
- 41%report poor “access to youth work services in their local area”.
Kathryn Walsh, spokesperson for NYCI, said:
“This polling data should serve as a wake-up call for all political parties. Our young people deserve robust support and investment in youth work services that can empower them to thrive. It’s clear that the current policies are failing to meet their needs, and the next government must prioritise youth work.
“These figures paint a stark picture of the current state of youth work services in Ireland—not just from the perspective of youth workers and volunteers, but from the general public.
“Young people are not receiving the support they need and deserve.
“We call on all political parties and the next government to take these findings seriously and commit to meaningful engagement and investment in young people and the youth work sector.”
To address the issues facing youth workers and young people, the NYCI is calling on the government to commit to creating lasting political infrastructure dedicated to supporting young people which include establishing:
- A Ministry for Youth,
- a Cabinet Sub-Committee for Youth,
- an Oireachtas Committee for Youth,
- Better pay structures and conditions to retain and attract youth workers
