An internal Fianna Fáil paper seen by the Business Post reportedly proposes the abolition of the DCYA to make way for a new Department of Higher Education.

Under Article 28 of the Constitution, there can be no more than 15 members of the Cabinet, meaning the establishment of a new Department would require another to be axed.

The establishment of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs in 2011 was warmly welcomed by children and youth organisations.

Commenting on the latest proposals, Tanya Ward, chief executive of the Children’s Rights Alliance, said: “We are deeply concerned about reports that the Department of Children and Youth Affairs may be carved up in the next government.

“We have been in this position before. We know that when responsibility and accountability are fragmented between departments, so too are the services and supports for children and young people.”

Ms Ward said the COVID-19 pandemic would have a serious impact on children and young people and expressed concern that the loss of a minister for children at the Cabinet table would mean “the recovery will be too focused on the economy and not on those most vulnerable and most need of support”.