Dáil Éireann - Volume 491 - 03 June, 1998

Written Answers. - Youth Services.

[1355] 285. Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will acknowledge the good work carried out by the girl guides and girl scouts in dealing with major social issues in the community; if he will, in a practical way, support the work of the groups by providing financial assistance towards their 30 world conference to be held in Ireland in 1999 and contributing substantially towards the annual running costs of both organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12733/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin): I acknowledge and place great value on the work carried out by the girl guides and girl scouts in their communities. My Department supports the work of these organisations through the provision of grant aid under the terms of the youth service grant scheme and I will be happy to consider the possibility of financial assistance towards the 1999 world conference in the light of available resources in the coming year.