Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 March 2004
602 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, further to Question No 169 of 9 March, the programmes operated by his Department that provide funding to youth groups for capital development and refurbishment of building and facilities for youth activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9009/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department operates a number of programmes that provide youth groups with financial assistance for capital development. They are as follows:
Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund was established by the Government in 1998. Its aim is to attract at risk young people in disadvantaged areas into facilities, programmes and activities that will divert them away from the dangers of substance abuse. The areas being targeted under the fund are the 14 local task force areas of Dublin, Bray and Cork where a significant drug problem exists or has the potential to develop. Recently I announced grants of approximately €13 million under the second round of the fund's allocations. Half of the allocations are for capital developments.
Leader, Gaeltacht and Islands schemes — the Leader programmes do not specifically provide capital funding for youth services. However, capital expenditure includes facilities that will benefit youth.
Once-off funding — my Department also provides once-off funding by way of a programme of grants to voluntary and community groups that focus on tackling poverty and disadvantage and enhancing community development.
Funding is available for training, education or research initiatives and for refurbishment of premises, or the purchase of equipment and a number of the groups funded under the scheme have a youth focus. It does not provide for the purchase or building of premises.
CLÁR and RAPID programmes — At present the CLÁR programme provides top-up funding of up to 20% to projects in its areas that are selected under the sports capital programme run by the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism. This is subject to overall public funding not exceeding 80%. In 2004 I intend to run a similar RAPID scheme.
