Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will explore every possible funding option in 2013 for a project (details supplied) in County Kerry; if he will consider the huge social dividend derived from this project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1615/13]

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.

Funding of €53.173m has been provided to my Department for the provision of youth services in 2013. In light of budgetary constraints, the emphasis in the 2012 youth affairs budget was on supporting existing youth programmes and services for young people including those with fewer opportunities. Similarly in 2013, the focus is on consolidating and maintaining, insofar as possible, the level of existing programmes and services for young people. In this context, Youth Affairs Unit is not currently in a position to consider any new applications for funding in 2013.