Aighneacht Fhóram na nÓg

Aighneacht
Fhóram na nÓg

The Department of Education is consulting on Stronger Futures, the new draft youth policy that will apply to every child and young person aged 4 to 25 in the North. The consultation closes on 30 October 2026.

Irish-medium youth work was recognised in the previous policy, Priorities for Youth, but the new draft mentions it only once, in brackets, with no protection, action or resource attached.

An Chairt Óige, the youth charter written by young people in the sector, sets out what the policy needs: explicit recognition of Irish-medium youth work as a distinct strand; protections and targeted support; measurable actions, resources and targets; funding, workforce planning and monitoring to deliver them; and regular review and reporting with the sector. The draft contains none of them. Where Irish-medium youth work is not available, young Irish speakers have no alternative. There is no youth policy for everyone if Irish is left out.

If you wish to take part and would like the response below to be submitted as part of the consultation process, fill in the relevant details.

Please note that Fóram na nÓg will not share your data or any personal information.

Your name:

Your email address:

Confirm and send

I confirm that I am responding as a member of the public who wishes to officially take part in the Department of Education's consultation on the policy statement: Stronger Futures – A Northern Ireland Youth Work Policy Statement.

I 'strongly disagree' with each of the draft policy's 6 themes and their intended outcomes, the policy statement title, and the policy statement as a whole.

I wish to include Fóram na nÓg's recommended text answers.

I would like to receive updates from Fóram na nÓg.

Read over the questions and answers below. Click 'Send now' to submit your response by email to the Department of Education (DE). You will recieve a copy of your response and a copy will also be sent to Fóram na nÓg.

Theme 1: Services

Q1. To what extent do you agree or disagree with Theme 1 and its intended outcomes in the draft policy:

Strongly disagree

Please provide the reason for the above response (not required):

Theme 2: Evidence-based assessment of needs and outcomes

Q2. To what extent do you agree or disagree with Theme 2 and its intended outcomes in the draft policy:

Strongly disagree

Please provide the reason for the above response (not required):

Theme 3: Youth Workforce

Q3. To what extent do you agree or disagree with Theme 3 and its intended outcomes in the draft policy:

Strongly disagree

Please provide the reason for the above response (not required):

Theme 4: Funding and facilities

Q4. To what extent do you agree or disagree with Theme 4 and its intended outcomes in the draft policy:

Strongly disagree

Please provide the reason for the above response (not required):

Theme 5: Structures and support

Q5. To what extent do you agree or disagree with Theme 5 and its intended outcomes in the draft policy:

Strongly disagree

Please provide the reason for the above response (not required):

Theme 6: Partnerships

Q6. To what extent do you agree or disagree with Theme 6 and its intended outcomes in the draft policy:

Strongly disagree

Please provide the reason for the above response (not required):

Agreement with the policy title

Q7. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the current title “Stronger Futures – A Youth Work Policy Statement”?

Strongly disagree

Please provide any alternative title suggestions you have:

Agreement with the policy as a whole

Q8. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the Stronger Futures policy statement as a whole?

Strongly disagree

Please provide the reason for the above response (not required):