Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 97: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will offer financial assistance to voluntary groups attempting to deal with anti-social behaviour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30568/05]

Cecilia Keaveney (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 130: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will consider altering the rural social scheme to provide opportunities for communities to employ youth officers to co-ordinate events in local areas for young persons in view of the rise in anti-social behaviour and the significant investment that is occurring in capital rather than social infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30551/05]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 97 and 130 together.

I fully appreciate the point that the Deputies make as to the importance of supporting the development of social infrastructure, particularly in relation to youth. My Department already provides significant support towards youth based projects through programmes such as the local development social inclusion programme, LDSIP, community development programme, CDP, the youth services and facilities programme and RAPID as well as supporting initiatives by local drugs task forces.

Looking ahead I would be happy to look again at the opportunities for improved synergies across programmes such as the LDSIP, the CDP, the social economy programme, the rural social scheme, and RAPID, to strengthen support for social infrastructure, including services for youth.