Vol. 528 No. 2
136 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Finance if funding will be provided for the development of the Castle Sauderson Estate as proposed by the joint Scouting Association of Ireland; his views on whether this is one of the most innovative cross border projects that can give major benefit to all of the youth here and abroad; when funds will be available in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30107/00]
Proposals for funding of a permanent jamboree campsite at the Castle Saunderson Estate in County Cavan for Scouting Ireland have been received by me and are currently being considered in the context of developing and promoting North-South relations. This consideration will explore the opportunities for funding the project under either of the two new EU supported programmes for cross-border co-operation, namely the Interreg III programme and the Programme for Peace and Reconciliation 2000-2004. I understand that the authorities in Northern Ireland have not been approached with a similar request for funding.
The Deputy will be aware that I have been active in my support of the scouting associations in recent years. In 1999, I approved a capital grant of £400,000 to Scouting Ireland towards the cost of their new national headquarters. Further State support is provided annually under the youth service grant scheme administered by the Department of Education and Science. This scheme provides funding for the support of voluntary youth work by meeting the costs of administration and staffing. Between 1999 and 2000, some £1,233,741 was paid to Scouting Ireland in support of their youth programmes.
