Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 31 January 2013
193. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding cuts to the youth services grant scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5006/13]
View answerThe 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. These schemes include the Youth Service Grant Scheme, the Special Projects for Youth Scheme, the Young People’s Facilities and Services Fund Rounds 1 and 2, Local Drug Task Force Projects and certain other provisions including the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme, Youth Information Centres, the European Youth in Action Programme (administered by Léargas – the Exchange Bureau) and Gaisce – the President’s Award
Funding of €53.173m has been provided to my Department for the provision of youth services in 2013. Of this total funding, €1.75 has been provided in a new capital funding programme for 2013. The Youth Affairs Unit is working on the funding allocation for youth services in 2013 and in line with Government policy must have regard to the savings requirements identified in the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure. The Department is seeking to ensure that, in the determination process for the allocations, the front-line youth services, particularly those for the most vulnerable young people are protected as far as is possible from the impact of any necessary reductions in funding. Every effort is being made by my Department to finalise the 2013 allocations so that youth projects and national youth organisations, including the organisation referred to by the Deputy, will be advised of their 2013 allocations as soon as possible.
