85. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Youth the rationale for allocating only 0.26% of the Department’s €7.55 billion NDP capital to youth infrastructure; the basis on which the annual €4 million youth capital allocation was determined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51905/26]

The department places a high value on both formal and non-formal education, recognising that youth work provides unique developmental, social and participative opportunities for young people that complement and enhance outcomes achieved through the formal education system. The NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for the Education and Youth Sectors for the period 2026 to 2030 places a very strong emphasis on maximising existing capacity and prioritisation of school building projects to meet the most urgent needs. In this regard there is a strong special education dimension to project rollout.

The department manages a large and complex school estate requiring significant capital investment. Around €5billion will fund major building projects, additional accommodation, modular units, with construction in about 10% of schools out to 2027. This will deliver c.57,000 new or modernised school places, with a strong focus on Special Education, and 105 projects to move to construction or tender. A further €2.25billion supports upkeep/operation, such as minor works, ICT, climate actions, emergency and summer works, and PPP-related costs.

The youth sector does not manage a comparable physical estate; however, capital of €4million per annum from 2026 to 2030 will support development and sustainability and this funding represents a significant increase of €3.5 million on the 2025 annual allocation and an enhancement on the annual youth capital allocations of recent years.

The NDP Sectoral Investment Plan funding of €20 million for the youth sector was informed by the level and type of demand for capital expenditure within the sector over recent years and with a view to providing more capacity to continue targeted investment in essential upgrades to youth facilities, equipment, and digital infrastructure in a modern youth work environment. The overarching vision is to ensure that young people have access to safe, inclusive, fit-for-purpose spaces that support meaningful engagement, development, and participation. This framework marks the first time that the youth sector has had clear visibility and certainty regarding capital funding over a multi-year period.

Importantly, establishing a defined capital envelope under the NDP provides a predictable basis for planning, allowing the youth sector to prepare projects in a structured and strategic way. It also supports value for money and a coherent long-term development of youth facilities nationally.

Work is currently underway within the department to finalise the 2026 youth capital funding scheme, with the scheme expected to be launched shortly. In parallel, 2026 will serve as an important scoping and preparation year for the wider youth capital programme under the NDP to 2030, including building relationships with key external stakeholders. Youth participation will also be a key element of this planning process. Engagement with the youth sector more broadly will ensure that investment is targeted at areas of greatest need.