Dublin, December 3, 2025 – Senator Mary Fitzpatrick, Seanad Spokesperson on Dublin, Local Government & Heritage, has issued a strong appeal for increased government funding to support Ireland’s youth services, warning that current levels of support are precarious and unsustainable.
Funding Crisis in Youth Work
Fitzpatrick praised the dedication of youth workers but stressed that many are operating under unstable contracts and shrinking resources. She highlighted organisations such as Cabra 4 Youth, which continue to deliver vital services without certainty about their core funding.
“Youth work doesn’t just support one young person,” Fitzpatrick said. “It strengthens families, schools, communities, mental health outcomes and future employment opportunities. It’s prevention, empowerment and inclusion rolled into one.”
Inclusive Spaces and Recognition
The Senator underscored the importance of inclusive, youth‑led spaces on a post on his Facebook page, pointing to achievements such as the Belong To Rainbow Award, which signals that every young person is welcome, respected, and safe. She argued that recognition of diversity and inclusion must be matched by stable, long‑term investment.
Wider Social Impact
Fitzpatrick warned that underfunded youth services risk undermining efforts to tackle crime, self‑harm, and suicide among young people. Adequate funding, she said, would not only provide a sense of belonging but also reduce social pressures and strengthen community resilience.
Call to Action
“The need is massive, the case is clear, and the time for stronger funding and stronger support is now,” Fitzpatrick concluded, urging the government to make youth services a top national priority.
In Summary: Senator Mary Fitzpatrick has placed youth services at the heart of Ireland’s social agenda, calling for immediate funding increases to secure inclusive spaces, empower communities, and address pressing challenges facing young people.
Mary Fitzpatrick Senator, Industrial & Commercial Panel Seanad Spokesperson on Dublin, Local Government & Heritage picture from Houses of the Oireachtas
