Vol. 463 No. 5
18 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Education the progress, if any, that will be made in 1996 in addressing the concerns of voluntary youth organisations regarding the inadequate resources made available by the Government for the provision of youth services throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6760/96]
26 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Education if the allocation available for youth services in 1996 has been finalised; if so, the total provision; the new initiatives, if any, that will be undertaken in 1996; and if she will make a statement on the matter.[6759/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 26 together. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that substantially increased funding has been made available for the provision of youth services in 1996.
The funding will total £13.9 million which represents an increase of over 10 per cent on the figure for 1995.
I am confident that this will enable the continued enhancement of the youth services including the consideration of new initiatives.
