Time for Government to put fairness first and deliver positive change
In the latest edition of Social Justice Ireland’s national social monitor, the think-tank outlines policies and proposals that would strengthen the voice, agency, and inclusion of young people in policymaking.
Ireland has structures that provide a strong foundation for the inclusion of young people in policymaking. However, emerging challenges—including the cost of living, housing pressures, digital literacy and safety, and the need for a just green transition—require renewed focus and stronger cross-sectoral coordination to maintain a focus on young people’s wellbeing and ensure a fair and sustainable future for young people. Young people continue to articulate the need for greater participation in democratic processes, more equitable access to education and employment, stronger mental health supports, and meaningful climate action. As Ireland takes on the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2026, we have an opportunity to lead by example, championing youth-centred policymaking that is evidence-based and rights-focused.
Young people and Housing
Youth Homelessness continues to be a significant issue in Ireland. Data on the numbers of people accessing emergency accommodation across the State shows an ongoing rise in homelessness for those aged between the ages of 18 and 24. Youth homelessness in Ireland is driven by a combination of structural pressures such as financial instability, job precarity, rising housing costs, limited supply, and insufficient youth-specific housing. Access to all forms of housing has become increasingly difficult, especially for young people. Between 2016 to 2022, the number of 18–29-year-olds living in the family home increased by nearly 14 per cent, with almost half of those aged 18-29 still living in the family home in 2022. This trend indicates the impact that lack of supply and increased cost is having on the ability of young people to afford independent living.
Young people and Health
Ireland’s mental health services have experienced chronic underfunding with less than 6 per cent of the health budget being allocated to mental health. This is far below the target of 10 per cent set by Sláintecare and the 12 per cent recommended by the World Health Organization. Mental health issues often begin in adolescence and early adulthood, yet access to care for young people remains limited, with Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) under severe pressure. As of April 2025, more than 4,500 children and adolescents were waiting for the first CAMHS appointments, including more than 760 waiting over a year. The Government has increased funding for mental health services in recent budgets, planning to expand staffing and support. Despite these commitments long waiting lists and staff shortages limit access to timely care for young people when they need it most.
Young people and Employment
Recent evidence indicates that younger workers in Ireland are facing more significant labour market changes in sectors with high exposure to AI. From 2023 to 2025, employment among those aged 15–29 fell in “AI exposed” sectors, even as overall employment in these sectors continued to grow. The most notable decline was in ICT, where youth employment dropped by over 30 per cent. By contrast, in sectors with lower AI exposure, younger workers experienced stronger employment growth than older groups, suggesting this is not part of a broader downturn in youth employment. While youth unemployment rates have declined throughout the years, young workers remain disproportionately concentrated in temporary, part-time and insecure forms of employment. Young workers are more likely to be on temporary contracts or doing seasonal work outlining instability even when employed.
This edition of the National Social Monitor does not attempt to cover all the issues that impact on young people’s wellbeing, but it does examine key areas such as housing, health, employment, participation and income. Areas that required renewed focus if Government is to deliver on commitments to young people.
National Social Monitor ‘The Future Starts Now: Policies for the Next Generation’ is available to download here.