Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 571: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if the budget for special projects for youth has been increased in 2006. [5207/06]

Síle de Valera (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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I fully appreciate the importance and value of the youth work programmes and services provided by youth organisations and, in particular, special projects for youth. In this respect, I am pleased that the financial allocation for the main funding line for the youth sector in 2006 represents a 2.47% increase over 2005, which, following on an 18% record increase in 2005, represents notable and substantial progress for the youth sector in Ireland in real terms. This brings the financial allocation to €34.728 million in 2006. This additional funding will allow for a number of developments under the Youth Work Act 2001 and the National Youth Work Development Plan 2003-07.

While I am confident that the increased allocation in the 2006 youth service budget will allow for a number of enhancements to existing youth work programmes and services, it will not be possible to make definitive allocations for special projects until such time as the youth affairs section of my Department has examined all proposals before it.

Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 572: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide a report on the application from groups (details supplied) for funding for two youth workers for a residential centre. [5208/06]

Síle de Valera (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The project referred to by the Deputy receives funding under two programmes administered by the youth affairs section of my Department, namely, the special projects for youth scheme and the young people's facilities and services fund. The total aggregate funding allocation received by the project under both of these schemes was €163,590 in 2005. An application for two additional posts has been received by the youth affairs sections and this proposal will be given consideration in the context of the 2006 round of grant allocations along with other applications.

The allocation of grants in respect of services for 2006 has not yet been finalised but every consideration will be given to this request, with all other applications made for youth work funding in 2006. A decision on this matter and other applications will be given as soon as possible.