90. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason the full findings and analysis of the youth worker workforce survey and employer workforce questionnaire conducted to inform the Youth Work Workforce Development Strategy have not been published to date; whether comprehensive analysis of the data has been undertaken; whether such analysis has been shared with stakeholders; when the Department intends to publish the full findings and analysis; if she will lay all reports, datasets and analytical outputs arising from the surveys in the Oireachtas and make them publicly available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54038/26]

As Minister for Education and Youth, I am committed to supporting the workforce in the youth work sector to deliver high-quality youth work and non-formal developmental opportunities to young people.

Action 7 in Opportunities for Youth: the National Strategy for Youth Work and Related Services 2024-2028 commits to producing a workforce development strategy in respect of the youth work sector, to include consideration of training needs and the requirement for high-quality, accessible and inclusive youth work services and opportunities.

My department has engaged extensively with youth workers and managers in youth organisations and is aware of the recruitment and retention challenges being experienced by the sector. This engagement included completion of a workforce survey, and employer questionnaire, which were followed by 11 consultations, both regional in-person, and online consultations.

This data captured from the consultation period will inform the development of the strategy.

To support the development of the workforce development strategy, a workforce advisory group will be established. My department is working in partnership with the National Youth Council of Ireland to agree the role of this group including its membership. The terms of reference for this group will be finalised with the group, once established.

The workforce survey data will be shared with the workforce advisory group in the first instance, to inform their work in overseeing the development of the strategy. The workforce data will also accompany the strategy on publication.

Whilst the subject of pay and conditions in the sector has been raised through consultations, they will not directly form part of the strategy.  Youth workers are not employed by my department, as funding is allocated on a 'provision of service' basis to meet the needs of the youth population in an area. The employment of staff, including youth workers, is a matter for the relevant youth organisations and services in receipt of funding.