Youth Services
Dail Éireann — 2025-12-11
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Jerry Buttimer (FG), Cork South-Central

I thank the Deputy again for raising this important issue. I assure her that the Department officials will continue to actively engage with Dublin and Dún Laoghaire ETB, local youth services and young people themselves to ensure there is the appropriate provision for young people in Balbriggan. This commitment builds upon the significant work already undertaken through targeted funding, collaborative initiatives and the overarching efforts to strengthen youth services and expand opportunities for inclusion and development.
I will not lie to the Deputy and say there are no challenges; of course there are. The Department of Education and Youth is committed to remaining steadfast in its support for inclusive, needs-based youth work that empowers young people to thrive and contribute positively to their communities. The Department and the Government will maintain a proactive approach to ensure services in Balbriggan and across the country remain responsive, accessible and impactful for all young people.
If the Deputy sends me an invitation to Balbriggan by email, I will happily go there. I have huge admiration for the work being done by Foróige. As Minister of State with responsibility for community development, I recognise the need for and importance of engaging in a collaborative conversation, not just in a back-and-forth way in this House but locally as well. I look forward to visiting the services with the Deputy. I ask that she send me an email. I assure her I will go out there.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2025-12-11/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-27T06:54:48+00:00
Sitting date: 2025-12-11