Youth policy aimed at social inclusion

Young Ireland: National Policy Framework for children and young people (2023-2028)

This is Ireland's overarching policy framework for everyone under 24. It explicitly prioritises equity and inclusion, with a focus on children and young people who face disadvantage or marginalisation. The framework coordinates work across government departments and agencies (including Tusla and the HSE) to address shared challenges. It was developed using a child-rights approach aligned with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Opportunities for Youth: National Strategy for Youth Work and related services (2024-2028)

Published in September 2024 by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, this strategy specifically targets youth work services. It emphasises reaching marginalised and disadvantaged young people through community-based youth services, with a focus on participation, personal development, and social inclusion.

Youth Homelessness Strategy (2023-2023)

This three-year strategy takes a whole-of-government approach to ending homelessness among 18–24-year-olds. It identifies groups disproportionately including care leavers, LGBTQ+ youth, and those with mental health difficulties, and includes 27 distinct actions targeting prevention, improving emergency accommodation experiences and supporting exits from homelessness.

Participation of Children and Young People in Decision -Making 

This plan ensures young people—particularly those from seldom-heard groups (children with disabilities, minority backgrounds, rural areas)—have a voice in government decision-making. The first implementation report shows over 4,000 young people contributed to national policy development in 2024, including through the National Youth Assembly on Climate, Rural Youth Assembly, and Youth Agri-Food Dialogue.