Mary Upton
Question:227 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if further funding can be provided to a group (details supplied). [8524/03]
Written Answers - Youth Services.
The young people's facilities and services fund, YPFSF, was established in 1998 as part of the Government's overall strategy to tackle drug misuse. The fund aims to assist in the development of youth facilities, including sport and recreational facilities, and services in disadvantaged areas where a significant drug problem exists or has the potential to develop.
The national assessment committee, NAC, of the YPFSF, which is chaired by my Department, is examining the services projects funded under round one of the fund. The intention would be that, where they are found to be effective, they will be mainstreamed by enabling their ongoing provision by statutory agencies.
Qualification for continued funding will be dependent on the successful evaluation of each project by the services steering group, which has been set up to examine the projects, and sufficient funding being in place. The work of the steering group should be completed over the coming weeks with a view to the NAC making recommendations to the Cabinet committee on social inclusion shortly thereafter.