298 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the reason for the delay in a decision on an application by the County Roscommon Youth Service for funding for a two year drug prevention programme for County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8887/99]

County Roscommon Youth Service made an application for funding under the £0.5 million allocation for voluntary organisations with a regional-national remit under the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund.

An assessment committee, chaired by my Department, considered a large number of applications in this regard and made recommendations on funding to the Cabinet committee on social inclusion. The Cabinet committee's decision on the application will be communicated in due course to County Roscommon Youth Service.