Written answers

Tuesday, 6 November 2012

Department of Children and Youth Affairs

Youth Services

Photo of Róisín ShortallRóisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason for withdrawing funding from a project (details supplied) in Dublin 11; her plans, if any, to ensure that the work of this valuable service is continued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47988/12]

Photo of Frances FitzgeraldFrances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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. In particular, the Youth Affairs Unit provides targeted supports to disadvantaged, marginalised and at risk young people 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 that includes the City of Dublin Youth Service Board (CDYSB) of the CDVEC.

The Active Parenting Project /Service operated by the Fingal Centre in Finglas is in receipt of funding under the Young People’s Facilities and Services Fund (Round 1). The 2012 allocation is €36,071.

My Department has been advised that the CDYSB, in anticipation of reductions in the funding allocations next year, has been holding a series of meetings with the projects within its area. CDYSB met with the Fingal Centre in recent weeks. While I understand that the CDYSB would be recommending funding for the Active Parenting Project/Service be discontinued from 2013. I wish to advise that no decisions have been made by my Department in relation to the 2013 funding allocations for youth services throughout the country nor in relation to the funding allocations to be provided for individual projects.

My Department is working on the funding allocation for youth services in 2013.Having regard to the substantial savings requirements identified in the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure my Department is seeking to ensure that, in the determination process for the allocations, the front line youth services, particularly those for the most vulnerable young people are protected as far as possible from the impact of any necessary reductions in funding.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.