Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)

Understandably, on foot of the recent violence in the Phoenix Park, people expressed their despair about the situation with many young people. The incidence of suicide among young people and child poverty is on the increase. In that context, we all agree that it is vitally important the Government take a hands-on approach to support any initiative or organisation which provides a real alternative to drug-taking, drinking and violence. I draw the Minister's attention to the plight of the Streets Ahead dance school. While it is based in Swords, it involves hundreds of young people across north Dublin and beyond. It is a fantastic outfit set up in 2004 and so far many of its members have managed to compete at national and international dance championships and competitions. It deals with disadvantaged kids who otherwise could be in serious trouble. However, it has been particularly hard hit by the recession and forced to reduce its numbers. It is just about hanging on by its fingernails but is threatened with closure. It cannot receive any funding support or a break in its rates because it falls between different stools. The Arts Council claims because there is a competitive element involved, it cannot fund it, while the Sports Council claims it is not its responsibility because it is a dance organisation. Will the Minister intervene and give it some advice on how it can secure funding? It would be a significant loss if it did not survive.

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