The Youth Affairs Unit of my Department supports the delivery of a range of youth work programmes and services for all young people, including those from disadvantaged communities, by the voluntary youth sector. In particular, the Youth Affairs Unit provides targeted supports to disadvantaged, marginalised and at risk young people through the Special Projects for Youth Scheme, the Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund Rounds 1 and 2 and Local Drugs Task Force Projects.
The Youth Centre referred to by the Deputy is currently in receipt of funding under the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund (Rounds 1 and 2) and the 2011 allocation to the Centre is €248,247. Funding is administered to the Youth Centre by the City of Dublin Youth Service Board (CDYSB)
In determining allocations to initiatives and schemes in 2011 my Department has made every effort to minimise the impact of the reduction in the Youth Affairs budget on front line youth work services. In light of continuing budgetary constraints, the Youth Affairs budget in 2012 will again require careful management with a focus on prioritising existing youth service provision and protecting jobs and pay in so far as is possible. Officials from my Department are in contact with representatives of the youth sector, including the City of Dublin Youth Service Board, on an ongoing basis to ascertain the sector's views on how best to minimise the impact of these budgetary constraints. Every effort will be made to notify the various youth work organisations and administering agencies, in this instance, CDYSB, of their 2012 allocations as speedily as possible.
