Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 406: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on allowing a centre (details supplied) in Dublin 12 access to a €60,000 grant allocated to it without duplicating the existing role, but to use the money under the YPFSF11 for complementary strategies. [36181/06]

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 (YPFSF). Through the YPFSF, allocations are made towards the construction and running costs of community facilities. These facilities 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 all, approximately 500 facility and services projects are being supported and the total allocation under the Fund to date is approximately €107m.

Funding is allocated for the employment of dedicated Youth Workers to deliver activities in these centres. In March 2004, under Round II of the Fund, an allocation of €60,000 was made to the centre referred to in the Deputy's Question to fund the employment of a senior youth worker to oversee the youth services already provided in the centre through the various youth programmes. As this allocation was made for a specific post, it is not possible for the centre to use this funding for any purpose other than that for which it was intended.