Vol. 563 No. 5
122 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has satisfied himself with the level of funding provided by his Department for the young people's facilities and services fund for 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8385/03]
The young people's facilities and services fund aims to assist in 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 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.
Since the YPFSF was launched in 1998, €68 million has been allocated under round 1 of the fund to support approximately 350 facility and services projects, mostly in local drugs task force areas. As outlined in my reply to the Deputy's question yesterday, funding for the YPFSF transferred from the vote of the Department of Education and Science to the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in 2003. Some €15.877 million has been provided for the YPFSF to meet both current and capital commitments in 2003. The Deputy will be aware that the fund is focused on areas which have traditionally been marked by a dearth of facilities and services for young people. Accordingly, I am determined to maximise the impact of the funding available for the YPFSF in 2003, so that the valuable work undertaken by the fund up to now can be consolidated and built upon.
