The Youth Affairs Unit of my Department provides a range of funding schemes, programmes and supports to the youth sector. Funding of some €53.498m is available in 2013 to support the provision of youth services and programmes to young people throughout the country including those from disadvantaged communities. Targeted supports for disadvantaged, marginalised and at risk young people are provided through the Special Projects for Youth Scheme, the Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund Rounds 1 and 2 and Local Drugs Task Force Projects.
There are six projects in Co. Kildare under the aegis of Kildare Youth Services funded under the Special Projects for Youth Scheme. Funding is also provided for a Youth Information Centre in Naas. There are significant youth issues relating to early school leaving and substance misuse and projects offer a wide range of programmes and services aimed at addressing these issues. My Department is currently compiling the details of the funding provided to youth work projects in Co Kildare and this information will be forwarded directly to the Deputy in the coming days.