A Review of Youth Information and State-Funded Youth Information Services in Ireland

‍The challenge

DCEDIY were aware that YICs have not been established following a standardised national approach and evidence that YICs provide a service which users value highly has been anecdotal in nature.  

The Department therefore required a detailed review to understand the structures, efficacy, and outcomes of these services to inform policy and ensure that youth information services effectively meet the needs of young people across Ireland.

What we did

The CES team employed a mixed-methods approach, integrating both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods.

Key activities included:

• ‍‍Literature Review: Synthesised national and international evidence on youth information services.
• Secondary Data Analysis: Reviewed progress reports and funding documents from YICs.
• Surveys and Focus Groups: Conducted surveys with youth information staff and young people, supplemented by focus groups to gather in-depth insights.
• National youth consultation: CES ran a national consultation with young people on youth information and their information needs, in partnership with the National Participation Office and Comhairle na nÓg.
• Stakeholder Interviews: Held interviews with national and international stakeholders to contextualise findings within broader youth work and information service frameworks.

Key findings

Our review found that 21 YICS, employing approximately 39 staff, deliver services through centres, online and outreach methods. Staff often operate with limited full-time capacities but maintain strong peer support networks.

YIC services engage with a broad range of young people from various backgrounds. Their common information needs include education, employment, mental health and transport.

Young people access services through various means, including recommendations from peers and online platforms, but they face challenges in finding clear, up-to-date information.

The review found that YICs provide nurturing and supportive environments, foster personal empowerment, encourage civic engagement, and enhance digital literacy among young people. These outcomes align with the ERYICA Youth Information Charter principles, highlighting the value of youth information services.

We identified a number of strengths in the Irish youth information sector, including multi-modal service delivery, expert staff, innovation and adaptability, youth-friendly approaches, strong collaborative networks, alignment with policy objectives, and adherence to best international practices and standards.

We also identified various challenges faced by those within the sector. These include resource constraints, varied staffing levels, perceived undervaluation, difficulty meeting evolving needs, inadequate branding and promotion, lack of national coordination, workforce stability issues, and absence of national guidance.

The review concluded with a number of recommendations for Government:

1. Appoint a National Coordinator to oversee and unify youth information services.
2. Strengthen strategic oversight and establish quality standards.
3. Invest in infrastructure to expand and sustain services.
4. Ensure sustainable, multi-annual funding to address disparities.
5. Invest in professional development to maintain a skilled workforce.
6. Promote integration with European networks for best practice sharing.

The impact

This review provided an updated picture of youth information services in Ireland, as well as describing the purposes, benefits and outcomes of these services for young people. It provided detailed insights into young people’s information needs and behaviours and outlined the strengths and weaknesses of the current youth information model in Ireland.

The findings and recommendations from this review provide DCEDIY with evidence-informed insights, which could be utilised to enhance youth information services in Ireland. By addressing identified gaps and leveraging strengths, the department can ensure that young people across Ireland have access to high-quality, reliable information and support, empowering them to make informed decisions about their lives.

Implementing the recommendations requires strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and sustained funding. Monitoring and evaluation will be crucial to ensure effective implementation and to refine approaches as needed. This commitment will help build a robust and responsive youth information service framework, supporting the diverse needs of young people in Ireland.