1211. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education and Youth the details of the €20 million Youth Fund. [56011/26]

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.

Youth capital investment of €20 million over the period 2026 to 2030 will support development and sustainability and this funding represents a significant increase 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.

Engagement with the youth sector more broadly will ensure that investment is targeted at areas of greatest need. Youth participation will also be a key element of this planning process. This collaborative and inclusive approach will support the development of a comprehensive, evidence-based capital plan.