In the meantime the cuts which the CDYSB recommended ranged from 2% to 14%. The action I have taken has ensured that no organisation will have to take more than 10%. Some of the bigger, better funded youth services are being asked to take a 10% cut this year. They will not be asked to take that next year. I am anxious to protect the youth budget next year in so far as I can.

However, it is worth bearing in mind some of the funding that is going to local organisations. The figures are €394,000, €280,000 and €330,000. The budget is being used very well. I am aware of the pressures and I have asked youth organisations to be as creative as they can be in terms of protecting front-line services. I told the Dáil this week that I will ask CDYSB to take up individual situations if there is a threat to front-line services. We have already intervened in a number of situations to ensure that workers are kept in place. There is some flexibility there in terms of the pressures on youth services. It is due to the overall budgetary situation that I have had to take these decisions, but various initiatives can be taken to protect the services. I realise it is challenging.

I will ask Catherine Hazlett, who has responsibility in the Department for this area, to comment on some of the issues that were raised regarding funding.