Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 February 2006
354 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to introduce support measures for the provision of youth centres and youth cafes in 2006; her views on the need for such facilities in rural towns and villages; if she will undertake a review on the impact of youth centres in reducing and combating anti-social behaviour; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7375/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe youth affairs section of my Department provides grants-in-aid for a number of youth-work programmes and initiatives, designed principally to ensure the provision of non-formal educational opportunities for young people. Such initiatives, including centres for young people, complement initiatives provided by both statutory bodies, non-statutory bodies and commercial interests.
The section provides specific grant-in-aid funding to support the operation of a network of youth information centres, whose purpose is to provide young people with information on a wide range of issues in a suitably conducive atmosphere. There are over 30 such centres and their operation is currently under review.
Grant-in-aid assistance is also provided under the special projects for youth scheme, which particularly targets young people who are disadvantaged, due, to social isolation, inter alia, or who are likely to have been involved in anti-social behaviour in the past or are potentially likely to be so involved in the future. Some projects have a particular focus on disadvantaged rural regions and the programmes and the services provided seek to address the needs of young people in these areas. In addition, a number of projects provide support by way of drop-in centres, as a social outlet for young people. There are 177 projects currently in receipt of funding under this scheme from the Department.
Grant-in-aid assistance is also provided to projects under the young people's facilities and services fund which particularly targets those most at risk from substance misuse. A number of these projects also have drop-in centres as social outlets for young people. There are 104 projects currently in receipt of funding under this scheme from the Department. A number of the above initiatives also have outreach programmes, which seek to meet the needs of isolated young people, particularly in rural areas.
Grant-in-aid assistance for major national and regional youth organisations is provided under the youth service grant scheme. This scheme benefits the young members of these organisations nationally, in both rural and urban areas. Additionally, the local youth club grant scheme benefits many youth organisations and centres at local level.
I will continue to make every effort to ensure that sufficient funding is made available for the support and development of my Department's schemes and youth work services generally in Ireland, which greatly benefit young people. I have no doubt such initiatives together with initiatives from other relevant Departments and others will contribute positively towards reducing and combating anti-social behaviour.
