Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 283: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that eleven youth hostels have closed in 2005 and that many others are struggling in the face of insurance costs, the reduction in FÁS support schemes and lack of a minor capital budget; if she has satisfied herself with the demise of this important outlet for youth development. [14698/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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An Óige receives grant-in-aid funding from my Department towards its expenditure on core staff salaries and administration costs under the youth service grant scheme. The funding of voluntary youth organisations through the scheme is intended to support the growth and development of such organisations with distinctive philosophies and programmes aimed at the social education of young people. An Óige received grant-in aid funding of €203,317 from my Department for that purpose in 2004. My Department has no function in the operation and funding of youth hostels.