Vol. 492 No. 7
336 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will reward the excellent work done by the Scouting Ireland Association in a practical way by substantially increasing the amounts of funds allocated to the group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14891/98]
I acknowledge and place great value on all aspects of the work carried out by Scouting Ireland CSI. My Department has made £313,000 available in 1998 to Scouting Ireland CSI for the provision of youth work services.
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 for 1998 is being sought and in the event of such funding becoming available the level of funding support to youth organisations generally will be reviewed.
