Dear colleagues,

In my initial engagement with the youth sector, both individually and with the Youth Sector Oversight Group, I was struck by the concerns that were communicated to me from the sector regarding changes to the Department’s previous working title.  Of course, youth issues are always going to be a critical focus of my department, and I feel it is a positive message to our young people to have them recognised in the agreed departmental title.

As such, I am pleased to be able to write to you today to confirm that the new title of my department will be the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. 

The last few months have been incredibly challenging for us all and we know that young people have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic and the associated and ongoing restrictions.  The value of youth work is clear, and the innovative and diligent work of the sector in the last six months has impressed me immensely.

I look forward to working with you all as we strive to achieve the very best outcomes for our children and young people.  They deserve nothing less.

Minister Roderic O’Gorman, TD

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Youth Affairs Unit