Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Ó Cuív for his question and endorsement of the importance of youth services. I know he has an interest in this area. I agree that funding schemes and programmes for the provision of youth services to young people throughout the country should continue in so far as possible. I have provided some information to the House already but I will summarise it.

The schemes include the youth service grant scheme, under which funding is made available on an annual basis to 31 national and major regional youth organisations. I referred in an earlier reply to the targeted programme for disadvantaged areas and the local drugs task force projects. Funding is also provided to Léargas - the Exchange Bureau, Gaisce, the local youth club grant scheme and youth information centres. I have provided the figures relating to the range of services which are supported, such as the 400,000 volunteers and 1,400 youth work staff. I am continually impressed by the quality of the work.

In 2014 current funding of €49.78 million is being provided by the Department for youth schemes and programmes. In 2013 the funding amounted to €51.74 million. We have also made capital allocations to youth services over a three-year period, comprising €0.5 million in 2012, €1.75 million in 2013 and €0.75 million in 2014. The 2013 allocation included capital funding of €1.5 million for a specific youth café initiative which has received great support throughout the country and with which the Deputy will be familiar.

Capital funding of €250,000 has been earmarked for play and recreation and that programme is being developed. We have also had €0.5 million for small capital grants for youth projects. There is a range of initiatives for this year in the area of capital allowances which will support local youth projects, and details regarding the eligibility criteria for those capital grants will be announced in the summer.

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