Vol. 519 No. 2
323 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Science if there is a grant fund of £5 million available for after school youth projects; if so, if an application will be sent to a community youth project in (details supplied) Dublin 5. [13441/00]
I assume the Deputy is referring to the allocation of £5 million which was provided in the 1999 budget to provide grants to schools that set up and run after school child care services. My Department is currently formulating details of a scheme for an after schools support service in consultation with the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs which has also been allocated £5 million to support community based groups to develop after school child care services in disadvantaged areas.
It is envisaged that my Department's scheme will be confined to schools in disadvantaged areas. In the case of the primary sector, schools will be selected on the basis of criteria being developed by the educational research centre for the new more targeted child centred programme which I am introducing following a survey of all primary schools. The grant to each school would cover the cost of a co-ordinator and other personnel and would include other operating costs such as insurance, heating and lighting. It is envisaged that this scheme will be operational in the schools selected by September next.
In June 1999 a grant of up to £180,000 was allocated to the community youth project in Dublin 5 under the young people's facilities and services fund towards the salary and programme costs of two youth workers over a three year period. This community youth project caters for young people in the ten to 21 age group.
The purpose of the young people's facilities and services fund, established by the Government in 1998, is to assist in the development of preventative strategies in a targeted manner through the development of youth facilities, including sport and recreational facilities and services in disadvantaged areas where a significant drug problem exists or has the potential to develop. The aim of the fund is to attract at risk young people in disadvantaged areas into these facilities and services and divert them from the dangers of substance abuse.
