Denis Naughten
Question:1193 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will approve funding for a disadvantaged youth project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1635/01]
Written Answers. - Youth Services.
A request for funding under the scheme for special projects to assist disadvantaged young people for the project referred to by the Deputy has been received by my Department. This application will be considered, together with the other applications received, in the context of the funding available for the scheme in 2001.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:1194 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the current provisions for youth grants administered through the vocational educational committees; if there are plans to increase the amount distributed in this way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1728/01]
Grant-in-aid financial assistance is made available by my Department to support the provision of youth work services at national and local level under the terms of a number of youth work schemes. Such schemes administered by vocational education committees involve support for (f2>a) youth information centres; (f2>b) special projects to assist disadvantaged young people; and (f2>c) the local youth club grant scheme. The financial provision allocated to vocational education committees in respect of these schemes in 2000 was as follows: (f2>a) £306,251; (f2>b) £5,302,917; and (f2>c) £1,130,000.
Allocations for these schemes for 2001 have not yet been determined and it is not possible, therefore, at this stage to indicate the amount that will be provided through the vocational education committees this year. The Youth Work Bill, 2000, envisages that the vocational education committees will have an increased role in youth work. My Department is also engaged in the preparation of a five year national youth work development plan. Due consideration will be given to the administration of the schemes, including the role of the vocational education committees, in the implementation of the Bill and the plan.