Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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242. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when she expects a final decision to be made by Pobal in relation to the awarding of €1 million fund available from her Department for the start-up of new youth cafes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35577/13]

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 long-term sustainability and service planning. Pobal is assisting my Department in managing the 2013 youth café programme. The initial appraisal process of the applications received is in the final stages. It is expected that applicants will be notified of the outcome in the coming weeks. Applicants who are successful will go through to the next round of the process which is expected to be completed by October 2013, following which drawdown of funding will commence.