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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 6 Oct 1998

Vol. 494 No. 4

Written Answers. - Youth Organisations.

John Gormley

Question:

407 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the role that effective youth organisations have to play in the community in combating the growth of the drug culture, including recreational drug use including ecstasy and alcohol, and the rise in male suicides in particular; his views on whether, in view of the contribution that these organisations make, it is inappropriate for the State to be cutting back on the funding available to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18294/98]

I acknowledge and place great value on all aspects of the work carried out by youth organisations within communities. Given their role in the development and social education of young people, youth organisations have a potential to play a significant role in addressing the broad range of challenges that confront young people including those highlighted by the Deputy.

My Department directly supports the work of these organisations through the provision of grant aid. In 1998, the overall level of resources made available for the provision of youth work services is £13,567,000 representing an increase of 1.7 per cent over the provision in 1997. Due to the high level of ongoing commitments, it has not been possible to increase the level of grant aid made available to individual organisations and initiatives. However, additional funding is being sought for this year and in the event of such funding becoming available, the level of support made available to youth organisations will be reviewed.

In addition to the £13.567 million provided by my Department in 1998 for youth services, significant funding is being provided under the Government's programme for young people at risk. The centrepiece of the programme is a young people's facilities and services fund of £30 million to be provided over three years to support a variety of capital and non-capital projects in disadvantaged areas. This new fund is in addition to the £10 million provided to implement the plans of the local drug task forces.

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