Among the priority measures approved by Government for assistance from dormant accounts in 2007 is one providing up to €2 million for small-scale equipment grants for youth groups. This repeats the 2006 funding measure, administered through the VECs, which supported almost 1,450 youth clubs and groups throughout the country.
The Department of Education and Science is the lead department in respect of this measure and they advise that the operational arrangements in respect of 2007 are currently being finalised. The Department of Education and Science anticipates that VECs will be requested to invite applications from eligible youth clubs and groups in early November.