Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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564. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when a decision will be made on applications for funding for youth cafes under the capital programme. [18536/13]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Funding of up to €1 million is available in 2013 from my Department for fit-out, refurbishment works or building enhancement projects for the startup of new Youth Cafés. One of the core functions of a youth café is that it offers support to young people, ranging from practical support to advice through their participation in activities that are of interest to them and that are varied and on offer at times that suit their normal activities. The criteria for the Scheme places a clear focus on both long term sustainability and service planning. Pobal is assisting my Department in managing the Youth Café Programme 2013.

The closing date for applications was Friday, 12 April. The initial appraisal process will take place up to the end of May. Phase 2 of the application process for those applicants who are successful in Phase 1 will take place from July to October. Any decisions about projects to be funded will be made at the end of October. It is anticipated that funding draw-down for the successful applications will commence in November 2013.

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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565. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide details of funding provided in 2012 and in 2013 for special youth projects in Cork city and county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18743/13]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Youth Affairs Unit of my Department provides a range of funding schemes, programmes and supports to the youth sector. Funding of some €53.173m is available in 2013 to support the provision of youth services and programmes to young people throughout the country including those from disadvantaged communities. 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. This funding 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.

My Department provides funding to City of Cork and Co. Cork under a number of funding schemes. These are the Special Projects for Youth Scheme (SPY) and the Young People’s Facilities and Services Fund Rounds 1 and 2 (YPFSF). The details of the funding allocated in 2012 and 2013 under these schemes is currently being collated and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy.