Vol. 401 No. 4
256 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties and uncertainities created for the youth service because, with funding now provided from the national lottery rather than the Exchequer, allocations are made on a year to year basis with the result that, even with increased money, instability has become endemic in the youth service and proper forward planning is virtually impossible.
258 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the difficulty in keeping on staff in the youth service area because of the ad hoc nature of the funding from the national lottery; that trained and experienced staff are lost because of the uncertainties of continuance of employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 256 and 258 together.
257 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the difficulty caused by the fact that funding is now provided for continuing existing disadvantaged youth projects after the initial 24 month period; if she has considered making any changes in the present regulations; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
My Department has, in general, made funding available for the continuation of the special projects for disadvantaged youth until 31 December, 1990, even where this entails the provision of resources beyond the initial 24 month period.
