Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will outline any initiatives she is undertaking to promote collective activities for youth people of a social and recreational nature to reduce isolation and encourage social inter action and confidence building. [7620/13]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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My Department has a specific role in supporting the provision of youth services and facilities and promoting non-formal education and developmental opportunities for young people in out-of-school settings through which they can enhance their personal and social skills and competencies. Particular regard is had to the needs of young people between the ages of ten and 21 and to those who are socially or economically disadvantaged including early school-leavers, homeless young people and those who are unemployed or at risk of substance misuse. In particular, the Youth Affairs Unit of my Department 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. Supports is also made available for all young people via the Youth Service Grant Scheme, Local Youth Club Grant Scheme, Youth Information Centres, European Youth in Action Programme (administered by Léargas – The Exchange Bureau) and Gaisce – the President’s Award. These measures aim to provide positive developmental opportunities for young people, to enhance their personal and social competencies, increase social inclusion and social integration and improve school attendance and engagement with formal education.

Funding of €53.173 million has been provided to my Department for the provision of youth services in 2013 and my Department is currently finalising the allocations for organisations and projects in 2013. In light of budgetary constraints, the emphasis in 2013 will be on supporting existing youth programmes and services for young people including those projects for young people with fewer opportunities. The funding budget of €53.173 million for 2013 includes €1.75 million for a new capital funding programme for 2013 that will provide €1.5 million for youth cafés and youth projects and €250,000 for the provision of play and recreation facilities. Criteria for the new programmes are being developed at present and my Department will be announcing details regarding the application process for 2013 shortly. My Department provides funding for a Local Youth Club Grant Scheme which supports youth work activities at a local level (€1.035 million in 2012). These grants are made available to all youth clubs and groups through local Vocational Education Committees. The allocation for this scheme will be notified to the VECs over the coming month and applications for funding will be subsequently invited by the VECs from local groups in their areas.