Vol. 557 No. 4
258 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will approve funding in respect of the midland regional youth service's application to the youth affairs section of his Department for service developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22624/02]
The midland regional youth service is currently in receipt of funding under the special projects for youth scheme, administered by the youth affairs section of my Department. The two projects funded under this scheme are the Athlone youth community project and the Mullingar youth project. A grant of €89,212 has been made available for Athlone community youth project and a grant of €44,853 has been made available in respect of the Mullingar youth project. An additional youth worker post has been sought for each of the projects in 2002.
My Department considered the applications for additional funding but it was not possible to accede to these requests this year, having regard to the funding available and to the high level of existing commitments in the youth sector. A renewed application for funding in 2003 may be submitted to the youth affairs section and this application will be given full consideration in light of available financial resources.
