Vol. 492 No. 2
160 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will ensure that youth organisations, including the Irish Girl Guides, are adequately funded to carry out their important work dealing with major social issues in the community, including drug abuse and child protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13760/98]
I acknowledge and place great value on all aspects of the work carried out by voluntary youth organisations, including 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 initiatives. However, additional funding is being sought for 1998 and in the event of such funding becoming available, the level of support made available to youth organisations will be reviewed.
