The Government has been accused of being “out of touch” with the challenges facing young people in Ireland.
The National Youth Council of Ireland has said Budget 2025 failed to address critical issues such as housing, the rising cost of living and underfunded youth work services.
It has also called for a commitment to strengthen youth representation in government decision-making.
The NYCI commissioned RED C to conduct a poll on the main issues facing young people in Ireland today.
It found that most people disagree with the idea that life for young people in Ireland today is easier than it was in recent decades.
The findings show that 82% of respondents believe the housing crisis in Ireland disproportionately impacts young people, placing significant strain on their ability to become independent.
It also uncovered gaps in access to youth work services.
Almost half of young people under 24 reported that access to youth work services in their area was “poor”, while just over a third rated access as “good”.
72% of adults agreed that politicians had “a lack of awareness” about youth work services.
The NYCI said the findings pointed to a “pressing need” for increased investment in youth work services across the State.
Asked about mental health services, 58% said they were insufficient.
81% of those polled believed there should be more young people represented in the Dáil, while 91% of young people under 24 wanted their voices heard in national policies directly affecting them.
In August, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth announced funding for a Youth Service Pilot Project.
Grant allocation started at €125,000 per applicant, with a maximum allocation of €437,500.
The Department said the funding would go to “high-quality youth services” open and accessible to all.
