268. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will increase investment in the youth work sector to increase service provision. [52404/26]

269. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will increase capital funding for youth hubs and infrastructure to support connection, service provision and prevention. [52405/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 268 and 269 together.

As the Deputy is aware, arising from Budget 2026, an additional €8 million in current and capital funding has been allocated to support the sustainability and development of youth services. This brings the overall core current and capital funding available to support existing youth services and youth work infrastructure to €94.1 million for 2026, representing a 9.3% increase on the corresponding funding available in 2025.

In 2026, the core current funding allocation of €90.1 million supports existing youth services and youth organisations across both targeted and universal provision for young people. This significant investment contributes directly to sustaining and enhancing participation levels across all youth funding schemes, which now involve over 450,000 young people nationwide.

Furthermore, capital funding of €4.0 million will be available to support youth organisations and youth services in 2026, representing a significant increase of €3.5 million compared to the 2025 allocation. This capital funding will enable targeted investment in essential upgrades to youth facilities, equipment, and digital infrastructure in a modern youth work environment to ensure safe, modern and inclusive spaces for young people.

All capital investment in the youth sector will be aligned with the National Development Plan framework and forms part of the department’s approach to long-term infrastructure planning and service development. This marks the first time that the youth sector has had clear visibility and certainty regarding capital funding over a multi-year period. Establishing a defined capital envelope under the National Development Plan provides a more stable and predictable basis for planning, allowing youth organisations, education and training boards to prepare projects in a structured and strategic way. It also supports better value for money and more coherent long-term development of youth facilities nationally.

Regarding Budget 2027; this will be considered by government as part of the annual estimates process. As this process is currently underway, the deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage.

I would like to note that the department hopes to build on the progress achieved through Budget 2026 and previous years. The department remains committed to advancing key priorities and will continue to explore opportunities for investment that respond to the evolving needs of young people.