Vol. 524 No. 2
404 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the concern among the Donegal youth workers network about the failure of youth services in County Donegal; the level of funding which will be available for this important service in order that it will not be diminished and will be placed on a more secure footing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21890/00]
I am not aware of the issue referred to by the Deputy. Funding has been, and continues to be, provided for youth services in County Donegal through the youth service grant scheme and the special projects for disadvantaged youth. I understand that there are a number of national youth organisations funded by this Department operating in County Donegal.
In addition, a cross-Border project, the north west youth/community information and development programme, jointly managed by County Donegal Vocation Education Committee and the Western Education and Library Board of Northern Ireland, has been funded under the special support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation for the period 1997 to November 2000. Options for the continuation of funding of this project are currently being explored. Given that this is a cross-Border project, such consideration will involve consultation with the appropriate authorities in Northern Ireland and an examination of the possibilities that may emerge under the Peace II programme.
