Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 13 Oct 1994

Vol. 445 No. 8

Written Answers. - Funding for Youth Services.

John Connor

Question:

74 Mr. Connor asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the level of funding channelled from her Department for youth services in County Roscommon and East Galway; if her attention has been further drawn to the fact that there are over 25,000 young people in this area and that her Department only provides about £25,000 to fund services in this area; and if she will ensure that this level of funding will be doubled in the 1995 Estimates for youth services operated by her Department. [1072/94]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I am aware of the situation regarding the County Roscommon Regional Youth Service which also serves part of East Galway. This youth service is affiliated to the National Youth Federation to whom my Department pays moneys annually under the youth services grant scheme. It is entirely a matter for the National Youth Federation to decide on the allocations to the individual regions and my Department has no function in the matter. I understand that a sum of £27,134 has been allocated this year to the Roscommon Regional Youth Service by the National Youth Federation. This figure does not give the complete picture for grants for youth services in County Roscommon. Grants are also paid to other national youth organisations which make allocations to their clubs and units in County Roscommon.

The total grant allocated to the National Youth Federation by my Department under the youth services grant scheme in 1994 was £1,188,000.

The question of the grant to be allocated to the National Youth Federation under the youth services grant scheme in 1995 will be considered fully in the context of the 1995 budget and having regard to the high level of existing commitments and the extent of demands from youth organisations generally.