A scheme to involve companies in projects to help disadvantaged young people was launched in Dublin yesterday. The scheme, Companies Caring for Children, through which firms will covenant sums ranging from £2,000 to £20,000 a year for five years, is intended to raise money to complement the £30 million already pledged by the Government towards a Young People's Facilities and Services Fund.
Mr Bill Cullen, chairman of the Irish Youth Foundation, which initiated the scheme, said his company, Renault Ireland, was committing £250,000 to it, £50,000 a year for five years. The foundation is a voluntary group set up by Ms Norma Smurfit to raise funds for youth projects.
"Fifty-seven years ago I was born in Summerhill," Mr Cullen said. "I was one of 14 kids. I was a `Gardiner Street gurrier'."
The Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation, Mr Chris Flood, said this was the first time the Government and the corporate sector had come together in a planned approach to tackle the problems of young people at risk.
He said the Government wanted to tackle the underlying causes, which would have a major effect on weaning young people away from drugs.
"We recognise the many excellent organisations working in this area. But they suffer from lack of resources," he said.
The four areas being targeted initially are Dublin north-east inner city, the canal communities in Dublin, Jobstown in Tallaght and Togher in Cork.