Eric Byrne (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason behind a decision to withdraw funding from a project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45470/12]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Youth Affairs Unit of my Department supports the delivery of a range of youth work programmes and services for all young people, including those from disadvantaged communities, by the voluntary youth sector. Targeted supports for disadvantaged, marginalised and at risk young people are provided through the Special Projects for Youth Scheme, the Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund Rounds 1 and 2 and Local Drugs Task Force Projects.

Funding of €56.806m has been provided to my Department to support the provision of youth services in 2012. Some 477 projects and youth services throughout the country receive support under the schemes. The annual funding allocations for youth projects are determined by my Department and the funding is administered, on behalf of my Department, by a number of grant administering agencies including the City of Dublin Youth Services Board (CDYSB) of the CDVEC.

The City of Dublin Youth Service Board (CDYSB) has, for many years, been promoting, supporting and co-ordinating the development of youth services and voluntary youth clubs in Dublin City.

I understand that the youth club referred to by the Deputy is a Foróige youth café/club operating in the Walkinstown area of Dublin.

The CDYSB Liaison Officer for the Dublin 12 Walkinstown/Crumlin areas has regular contact with youth clubs and groups in these areas and in particular the youth café in question. In 2012 support and assistance has been provided in a number of ways by CDYSB including IT support; training grants for young people to avail of leadership training; annual and programme activities grants; direct support to the lead volunteer in the youth café.

Financial support of €7,745.50 has been provided by CDYSB, from funding provided by my Department, to the Walkinstown youth group up to October 2012 and further funding will be made available to this club before the end of the year. I understand that in December 2011, a development grant of €4,100 was also provided by CDYSB, on behalf of my Department, under the Young People’s Facilities and Services Fund (YPFSF 2) Small Grant Fund towards the cost of the portacabin in question.

I am aware that the club has submitted an application for funding under the National Lottery Grant Scheme, 2012. Applications for funding under this Scheme are currently being examined by my Department and decisions in relation to the applications will be made as soon as possible.

I also understand that CDYSB has contacted the Foróige regional officer responsible for the area to arrange a meeting with CDYSB, volunteers from the youth café and local Councillors to discuss CDYSB’s position with regard to grant aid and also to clarify issues raised by the youth café.