Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 April 2013
497. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of youth cafés that will be provided as a result of the €1 million in capital funding being made available by her Department for this purpose; the location of these cafés; the criteria that will be used in selecting these locations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19790/13]
View answerFunding of up to €1 million is available in 2013 from my Department for fit-out, refurbishment works or building enhancement projects for the startup of new Youth Cafés. One of the core functions of a youth café is that it offers support to young people, ranging from practical support to advice through their participation in activities that are of interest to them and that are varied and on offer at times that suit their normal activities. The criteria for the Scheme places a clear focus on both long term sustainability and service planning. Pobal is assisting my Department in managing the Youth Café Programme 2013.
The closing date for applications was Friday, 12 April. The initial appraisal process will take place up to the end of May. Phase 2 of the application process for those applicants who are successful in Phase 1 will take place from July to October. Any decisions about projects to be funded will be made at the end of October.
The essential criteria are set out in the Application Guidelines for the Youth Cafés Capital Programme 2013. Applications must demonstrate that:
- the proposed youth café would provide a safe and quality space for young people; based on the guidance set out in the “Youth Cafés in Ireland: A Best Practice Guide”.
- the space has a clear purpose and will be used to the maximum as a youth café.
It is desirable that the age focus of the Youth Café should predominantly be targeted at and involve young people primarily between the age of 12-25. Priority will be given to applications from applicants that demonstrate that they can leverage funding from other sources in relation to finance, staffing and or site provision and to applications from areas which demonstrate they have the greatest need on account of deprivation, access to services, youth population and existing provision.
Applications may only be made by community and voluntary organisations with a minimum of three years experience of working with young people and the delivery of youth services. Details of the scheme and the guidelines for applicants are set out on my Department’s website.
