Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 9 Jun 1998

Vol. 492 No. 1

Written Answers. - Youth Services.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

238 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the operational crisis that is now confronting many voluntary organisations in the youth sector; if his attention has further been drawn to the relative reduction in the allocation of lottery funds to youth related projects; and if, having regard to the very positive work which youth organisations, including The Irish Girl Guides, do in the consolidation of civic society, he will review the allocation of funds to youth organisations in general and The Irish Girl Guides in particular in 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13374/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I acknowledge the great value of the work carried out by the voluntary youth organisations, including the work of the Irish Girl Guides, in their communities. My Department supports the work of these organisations through the provision of grant aid. The overall level of resources made available for the provision of youth work services in 1998 is £13,567,000 representing an increase of 1.7 per cent over the provision for 1997.

Due to the high level of ongoing commitments, it has not been possible in the current year to provide for increases in the level of grant aid made available to individual organisations and to youth projects. However, additional funding is being sought for 1998, and in the event of such funding becoming available the level of funding support to youth organisations, including the Irish Girl Guides, will be reviewed.