Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 134: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on youth cafes as a means to deliver quality youth work; the financial resources allocated in 2005 and 2006 for community groups and other organisations to develop such centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14358/06]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The youth homelessness strategy 2001 was developed to ensure a more co-ordinated and planned approach to tackling youth homelessness. In the strategy particular emphasis is placed on prevention and the importance of supporting communities, young people and their families in this context.

As part of the implementation of this strategy several youth cafes have been developed by the Health Service Executive. These cafes act not only as venues where young people can meet, but also as advice centres and access points for other services for vulnerable young people who may need support or who may be at risk of becoming homeless. I strongly support and encourage the development of any such community initiative which aims to improve the quality of life of our young people.

The Department of Health and Children has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the Health Service Executive to arrange to have further information on this matter, regarding the resources allocated, forwarded directly to the Deputy.