Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 9 Jun 1998

Vol. 492 No. 1

Written Answers. - Youth Services.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

272 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the financial crises facing many youth organisations; the funding being provided in 1998 for youth organisations and youth work; the plans, if any, he has to increase this funding; the plans, if any, he has to provide additional national lottery funding for youth organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13556/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

The overall level of funding being made available for the provision of youth work service in 1998 is £13,567,000. This represents an increase of 1.7 per cent over the provision for 1997.

Unfortunately, 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 initiatives.

However, additional funding is being sought for 1998, and in the event of such funding, Exchequer or national lottery, becoming available, the level of funding support to youth organisations generally will be reviewed.