Cecilia Keaveney (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 906: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on whether due to the increased capital development in community facilities there is a need for a strategic approach to delivering personnel on the ground to engage young people in activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2376/06]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has responsibility for a range of community-based schemes, including the young people's facilities and services fund. Through the young peoples facilities and services fund allocations are made towards the construction and running costs of community facilities which are specifically aimed at attracting "at risk" young people in disadvantaged areas into activities that will divert them from the dangers of substance abuse. In this context we fund the employment of dedicated youth workers to deliver activities in these centres. In all, approximately 450 facility and services projects are being supported and the total allocation under the fund to date is approximately €97 million.

In broader terms, I understand that, under the Youth Work Act 2001, the Department of Education and Science, in conjunction with the VECs, plans to develop youth work plans in each of the VEC areas. In addition, funding for community facilities is made available through the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and through the sports capital grants of the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism.