Vol. 510 No. 5
210 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the funds, if any, made available to community groups which wish to develop a community directory of services in their area; and if he will give details of these schemes. [22984/99]
In regard to the development of a community directory of services for young people, no specific funding is provided by my Department for such projects.
However, my Department provides grant supports annually towards the cost of the provision of a network of youth information services throughout the country. There are 28 such centres. These centres, which are administered by a variety of youth organisations, operate as an integrated part of locally based youth services and provide a free, drop-in information service to young people and those who work with them. Subjects covered include employment matters, rights and entitlements, local community services and facilities. A number of these youth information centres provide a directory of services for their area, as part of their overall provision.
In addition, my Department provides funding to vocational education committees and adult education organisations, some of whom are involved in the provision of local community directories.
