Brendan Smith
Ceist:134 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Education the new initiatives, if any, which have been undertaken in the youth services area in 1996; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1913/97]
Written Answers. - Youth Services.
The increased level of funding made available for the provision of youth services in 1996 enabled consideration of a number of new initiatives, in addition to allowing some scope for increased grant-in-aid to voluntary youth organisations under the youth service grant scheme. The development of additional community-based projects for young people in disadvantaged areas, the enhancement of existing disadvantaged projects and the extension and upgrading of the network of youth information centres were addressed as priorities.
Allocations for the following new initiatives from the Grant Scheme for Special Projects to assist Disadvantaged Youth were announced in 1996:
Cherry Orchard, Dublin city
Priorswood/Donaghmede, Dublin city
Balbriggan, County Dublin
Ballybeg, Waterford city
Mullingar, County Westmeath
New Ross, County Wexford
East Wicklow
In addition, allocations were announced for new youth information centres in Roscommon and west Cork.