Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 110: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if funding will be maintained in respect of a project (details supplied) which has provided services for the children and communities in an area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25301/09]

Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Since it was established in 1998, the Government has allocated approximately €168m under the Young Peoples Facilities & Services Fund (YPFSF) to assist in the development of youth facilities (including sport and recreational facilities) and services in disadvantaged areas where a significant drug problem exists or has the potential to develop. Approximately €66m has been provided for capital developments, which include the building, upgrading, fit-out and refurbishment of some 220 youth and community facilities in the different target areas. In 2009 just under €20m in capital and current funding has been provided to support the valuable work being done through the Fund.

The Base Youth Centre has received YPFSF funding and has to date been allocated capital funding of €963,000 (€60,000 of which was in respect of fit-out) towards the youth element of the facility. The Centre is also in receipt of current annual funding which in 2009 will amount to €497,300 and is towards the staffing and running costs of the Youth element of the centre. This current funding has not been subjected to any reduction on the 2008 allocation.

As the Deputy is aware the economic landscape has changed dramatically and in the light of fiscal restraints now faced by Government all funding streams will have to be examined later this year to ensure compliance with the Governments desire to adjust spending commitments . All Development Groups, including Ballyfermot Development Group, will be kept informed in relation to funding.