The think tank has called for action on the cost-of-living to slow down youth homelessness
Susanne Rogers, Research and Policy Analyst for the social justice think tank said: “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”.
One area the publication highlighted included youth homelessness, which continues to rise in Ireland.
It found that this is driven by a combination of structural pressures such as financial instability, job precarity, rising housing costs, limited supply, and insufficient youth-specific housing.
The annual report also said that despite initiatives such as the national Youth Homelessness Strategy 2023-2025 and Ireland’s Homelessness Prevention Framework there remains a rise in numbers.
According to Focus Ireland, in November 2025 there were a record 2,023 young people aged between 18 and 24 residing in emergency homeless accommodation in Ireland.
Social Justice Ireland also pointed to the “chronic underfunding” of Ireland’s mental health services.
It said: “The 6pc of the health budget allocated to mental health is far below the target of 10pc set by Sláintecare and the 12pc recommended by the World Health Organization.”
It pointed to a “limited” access to care for young people, describing Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) as “under severe pressure”.
In relation to young people and employment, the social monitor found that younger younger workers in Ireland are facing more significant labour market changes in sectors with high exposure to AI.
The publication said: “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 30pc.”
The most notable decline is within ICT, where youth employment has dropped by over 30pc.
The organisation added that Ireland is more exposed to AI than the average advanced economy, with an estimated 63pc cent of jobs likely affected in comparison to the usual 60pc.
Ms Rogers added: “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.”
John McGeady, CEO, Social Justice Ireland added: “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 renews focus if Government is to deliver on commitments to young people”.