Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 258: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the amount which was allocated in 2005 to implementing the national youth work development plan; the amount which has been drawn down and applied to fulfilling the objectives contained in the plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32240/05]

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 278: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason only a small portion of the funding allocated in budget 2005 for implementing the objectives of year one, 2004, and year two, 2005, of the national youth work development plan has been used in meeting these objectives; the further reason these objectives have yet to be met; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32295/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 258 and 278 together.

The allocation for the youth work sector in 2005 represents an 18% increase in funding over 2004 and brings financial provision for the sector to €33.889 million in 2005. This additional funding allows for a number of developments under the Youth Work Act 2001 and the national youth work development plan and for enhancements to existing youth work programmes and services.

With regard to the national youth work development plan, this plan identifies four main goals and proposes approximately 50 action points to achieve these goals during a five year period. Building on work already undertaken in 2003 and 2004 and following consideration of a submission made to me by the Irish Vocational Education Association, CEOs association and the National Youth Council of Ireland in March of this year, I identified certain action areas for implementation in 2005. These include the establishment of ten new special projects for disadvantaged youth; upgrading of 20 single worker special projects to two worker projects; review of youth work funding; and review of youth information provision and continued support of the child protection training programme. I am fully committed to the implementation of the plan.