Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the amount allocated and the subsequent out-turn for the Special Projects for Youth for 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013; and, within that budget, if he will list the allocation and subsequent out-turn for projects working with Travellers. [7400/13]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Funding under the Special Projects for Youth Scheme (SPY),is made available to organisations and groups for specific projects which seek to address the needs of young people who are disadvantaged due to a combination of factors e.g., social isolation, substance misuse, homelessness, early school leaving and unemployment. Projects facilitate the personal and social development of participants thus enabling them to realise their potential. This aim underpins all programmes and activities of the Scheme. There are currently some 179 projects funded under this scheme.

Details of funding allocated to the Special Projects for Youth Scheme is outlined hereunder for 2008 to 2012. The Youth Affairs Unit of my Department is working on the funding allocation for youth services in 2013 and every effort is being made to advise youth projects and national youth organisations, of their 2013 allocations as soon as possible.

Details of allocations and out-turn for this Scheme are outlined as follows:

The Special Projects for Youth Scheme operates several youth work initiatives that are specifically aimed at young Travellers, such as the initiatives operated by Involve (formerly the National Association of Traveller centres (NATCs)), Exchange House Traveller Youth Service and Pavee Point. In general, these youth work initiatives entail consultation with the local traveller community, the involvement of members of that community in the management of the project and liaison with other voluntary and statutory agencies operating in the youth service sphere. Other projects funded other these schemes may include services and activities for young travellers but they are not exclusive to young travellers. A detailed breakdown of grants allocated to projects working with Travellers will be provided directly to the Deputy this week.