Brendan Smith
Question:62 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Education the new initiatives, if any, which will be undertaken in the youth services area in 1996; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21304/96]
Written Answers. - Youth Services Initiatives.
The increased level of funding made available for the provision of youth services this year has enabled consideration of a number of new initiatives, in addition to allowing some scope for increased grant-in-aid to voluntary youth organisations under the youth service grant scheme.
The development of additional community based projects for young people in disadvantaged areas, the enhancement of existing disadvantaged projects and the extension and upgrading of the network of youth information centres have been addressed as priorities.
Allocations for new activities in the following four areas were announced in July of this year: Cherry Orchard — special project for disadvantaged youth; New Ross — special project of disadvantaged youth; Cork city — Outreach worker for north-west area and Dún Laoghaire — additional youth worker for Mountwood/ Fitzgerald Park area. Allocations in respect of the balance of new youth service initiatives for 1996 are currently being finalised in my Department and will be announced shortly.