Enda Kenny
Question:175 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the provision his Department has put in place to sustain core funding on youth programmes and youth work in budget 2004. [28112/03]
Written Answers. - Youth Services.
The funding for the youth affairs section of my Department for 2003 is €27.123 million which is a 5.5% increase over 2002. Provision for the youth work sector increased by almost 60% from 1997 to 2003 which demonstrates the Government's commitment to supporting the work of the youth sector.
I am conscious of the issues and concerns being raised by the youth work sector regarding future funding for the ongoing support for youth work programmes and services. To this end, I have secured a further €1,001,000 for the sector through the 2004 Estimates process. This amount represents a 4% increase in funding over 2003.