asked the Minister for Education the position with regard to the allocation of funds for the 1981 youth employment scheme; and the plans he has for the expansion of the scheme this year.
Written Answers. - Youth Employment Scheme.
55.
The Government are extremely concerned about doing all possible to alleviate the grave problem of youth unemployment and the Deputy may be assured that the Government's programme in this respect will be honoured. For the 12 months of this year a sum of £550,000 was made available in respect of the temporary youth employment scheme run by my Department; unfortunately the 12 month budget was allocated prior to 11 June and no provision had been made for 254 applications for almost £3 million for assistance under this scheme remaining to be met at that time. However, the matter of youth unemployment is a priority with the Government and the question of the expansion of the scheme this year will be fully considered in the context of the Government's youth employment policy.