Representatives from Galway's Young Mothers in Education project this week met with Minister of State Sean Haughey in a last ditch effort to avert the impending closure of the service.

The project, which is facing closure on 31 March, has been lobbying strongly for the Department to reinstate the funding that it has received for the three years prior to 2007. There are 60 young mothers currently involved in the project, many of whom will not be able to continue their education without the valuable support, which the service provides.

On Wednesday last, Minister Haughey met with members of the project at Leinster House to discuss the situation face to face and to clarify misunderstandings that had arisen with regard to the work of the service. During the meeting, the Minister acknowledged receipt of the funding application from the project and informed the representatives that funding decisions would not be made until after the Easter Holidays.

Project Coordinator Eleanor Clancy welcomed the meeting and said she was remaining hopeful that a positive outcome would be reached and the closure of the unit prevented.

"The Minister made us feel very welcome. He had a number of questions and sought clarity on a couple of matters. There were representatives from a number of sections within the department and they seemed very interested in the work of the project.

"We remain hopeful that the Minister will be able to find a solution to the current funding crisis and that we will be able to continue to support the young mothers currently faced with the loss of this service and the consequent threat to their education."

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