The YMCA organisation under its support training and enterprise programme, STEP, operates five centres at locations in Cork, County Cork, Dublin and Donegal which are aimed primarily at early school leavers. Financial assistance towards the operating costs of these particular STEP projects is provided by County Cork Vocational Educational Committee, with assistance from my Department. Support for these measures is continuing in 2004.
Separately, my officials have made enquiries in the matter and it is understood that the issue raised by the Deputy may relate to the question of the filling of the position of manager of the community employment scheme in the YMCA centre, Cobh. This issue does not fall into my area of responsibility.