88. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Youth when her Department’s national youth services mapping project will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51908/26]

89. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department has identified areas with no youth service provision or inadequate infrastructure; the number of such areas in the State; the plans to address the shortages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51909/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 88 and 89 together.

As the Deputy is aware, the department is currently progressing a national youth services mapping project, which is being developed to strengthen the evidence base for planning, funding and supporting youth services across the country, as well as to increase public awareness of the youth clubs and services available within local communities. This project consists of two distinct components, each serving a different purpose and audience.

Internal Data Dashboard: The first component is an internal dashboard, designed to support data-driven decision-making within the department. This dashboard will collate and present a range of key indicators, including:

• Central Statistics Office (CSO) demographic information for young people aged between 10-24;

• The Pobal Deprivation Index at Small Area level;

• Youth funding allocations per Education and Training Board (ETB);

• Youth service provision data, allowing for analysis by area, scheme and service type.

• All schools including DEIS schools, allowing easier comparison with local youth clubs and services.

• Drive-time and walk-time analysis around services

This tool enhances the department’s capacity to monitor provision, identify service gaps, and ensure resources are aligned with population needs and levels of disadvantage.

In addition, in line with their statutory functions, ETBs are key to supporting the provision, coordination, administration and assessment of youth work services in their functional areas. The ETBs are currently involved in the assessment of youth work needs as part of the lead in to cycle 3 of the UBU Your Place Your Space Scheme in 2027.

Public-Facing Interactive Website: The second element of the project is an outward-facing interactive website, which will be publicly accessible. This site is being developed to serve young people, parents and guardians, and the wider community. The website will:

• List youth clubs, groups and services across the country with information gathered from services and clubs;

• Allow users to explore what services are available within their local communities;

• Improve visibility, accessibility and awareness of youth service provision; and

• Support young people to more easily find opportunities to participate in youth work activities.

• While the internal dashboard will support ongoing work within the department, the public website will be updated periodically as new service information becomes available, with the intention that the public-facing map will be made accessible in the near future.