567 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will continue to provide funding for a project (details supplied) in County Mayo, in view of the fact that in less than four months considerable progress has been made in evaluating the urgent needs of the young people in the area, that it has a number of programmes up and running for which there is enthusiastic participation from the local youth, and that this project is providing direct intervention for the young people, 12 to 18 year olds experiencing personal, family, education or social problems; her views on whether the continuation of funding for this project is vital; if she will guarantee a continuation of funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12464/07]

The Youth Affairs Section of my Department has received an application for funding on behalf of the project in question. This application was submitted for consideration in the 2007 round of grants under the Special Projects for Youth Scheme. Funding allocations for 2007 are currently being examined by my Department and consideration will be given to this application in light of available financial resources, existing commitments in the youth sector and other applications. My Department's objective is to finalise decisions on such applications before the end of Spring.