John Perry
Question:77 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the financial crisis facing voluntary youth organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14955/98]
Written Answers. - Youth Services.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:97 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to introduce a Supplementary Estimate to provide increased funding for voluntary youth organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14954/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 97 together.
The overall level of funding being made available by my Department for the provision of youth work services 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 and I am aware of the concerns of voluntary youth organisations in relation to this matter.
However, additional funding is being sought for 1998 and in the event that this becomes available, the level of funding support to voluntary youth organisations generally will be reviewed.