David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 192: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her proposals with regard to the transfer of youth work responsibilities from the Department of Education and Science to her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28933/08]

Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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It is proposed that the responsibility for the following programmes and services will be transferred to the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs: the Youth Services Grant Scheme, the Special Projects for Youth Scheme, the Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund (Round 1), the Youth Information Centres, the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme, Gaisce — the President's Award, and a number of other youth and youth related programmes and services such as the National Youth Arts Programme and the National Youth Health Programme. These programmes and services, valued at approximately €52 million, are being administered by the Department of Education and Science. It is hoped to have the Transfer of Function Order signed and the transfer of funding in place in the coming months. The Department of Health and Children has commenced making administrative provision for the transfer of staff from the Department of Education and Science to the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.

The Young People's Facilities and Services Fund (YPFSF — Round 2) develops youth facilities (including sport and recreational facilities) and services in disadvantaged areas where a significant drug problem exists or has the potential to develop. By attracting young people into these facilities and activities, it aims to divert them away from the dangers of substance misuse. The Fund's target group is 10-21 year olds who are "at risk" due to factors such as family circumstances, educational disadvantage or involvement in crime/substance misuse. Over €150 million has been allocated to date to support a broad range of services and projects under the Fund. A draft order transferring the YPFSF (Round 2) to the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs is being prepared by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, in consultation with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel. The draft order will then be submitted to the Department of Finance who will bring a Memorandum to Government transferring functions from the Departments of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and Education and Science to the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. The location of all these youth programmes within the one overall policy framework of the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs should facilitate the development of a more strategic approach to youth affairs across the country.