asked the Minister for Education the extent to which his Department has increased its contribution to youth organisations to ensure greater youth participation in eliminating vandalism.
13.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Youth Organisations.
12.
asked the Minister for Education the progress he has made in the provision of extra assistance in the development of voluntary youth organisations.
14.
asked the Minister for Education the progress he has made as a result of his study in depth of youth policy; and if he will consider introducing legislation whereby a system of local youth officers may be established which will be flexible enough to meet the special needs of young people in each locality.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 12, 13 and 14 together.
I am very conscious of the important role that youth organisations have to play in our society and it was in recognition of this that I increased the allocations made to voluntary youth organisations this year by more than 43 per cent—£57,050 paid in 1973 as against £81,300 paid in 1974. In allocating £112,500 to Comhairle le Leas Óige for the current nine-month period, which represents £150,000 for a 12-month period, I make an increase of more than 15 per cent. The allocation to Macra na Tuaithe was also substantially increased—£27,800 this nine-month year as against £22,000 in the previous 12-month year.
The study of the entire youth service which I undertook is nearly completed. The question of the personnel required to meet the special needs of young people will be fully dealt with in that document and I agree entirely with the Deputy in stressing the need for flexibility. However, it would be inappropriate to comment on any specific part of the policy until it is available for discussion.
No doubt the Parliamentary Secretary is aware that the activities of voluntary organisations in this field are expanding all the time. In view of this and also because of the very high rate of inflation, these organisations are experiencing great financial difficulties. Therefore, will the Parliamentary Secretary endeavour to ensure that the amounts of money being made available will be increased next year and also that the system of allocation of funds will be re-examined?
I will do my best to ensure that the money being made available is as generous as possible within the terms of the budgetary situation. The method of allocation is being re-examined but I cannot anticipate what changes may be made in this regard.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that, in relation to Question No. 14, the study in depth to which he has referred was promised 12 months ago?
The House and the voluntary organisations were informed that this study in depth was taking place. It has not been completed yet.
Have grants been paid this year to sporting organisations that are catering for youth?
Yes.
All the grants?
Yes.
When were they paid?
In March, 1974.
The period I am referring to is the nine-month financial year, 1974 which commenced on 1st April. I fail to understand how the grants could have been paid in March.
We were changing, then, to a different accounting system.
Does that mean that no grants for this year have been paid?
As the Parliamentary Secretary is clear now as to the year to which I am referring, can he state whether he has paid all the grants to sporting organisations catering for youth in this financial year?
The allocation of grants will be made early in 1975.
Therefore, there will be no allocations during this financial year.
That is so.