Vol. 558 No. 4
132 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress of the young people's facilities social fund; the allocation which has been made towards this fund; the applications received for funding which are outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24536/02]
The young people's facilities and services fund was established in 1998 as part of the Government's overall strategy to tackle drug misuse. The fund aims to assist in the development of youth services in disadvantaged areas where a significant drug problem exists or has the potential to develop. The objective of the fund is to attract "at risk" young people in disadvantaged areas into these facilities and activities and divert them away from the dangers of substance misuse. The primary focus of the fund is the 14 local drug task force areas.
Under the national development plan, €149.65 million has been approved for the fund in the period 200-06. To date, approximately €68 million has been allocated under round one of the fund. The national assessment committee of the young people's facilities and services fund, which is chaired by my Department, is currently examining capital proposals submitted by the development groups in the local drug task force areas under round two of the fund.
