Government has voiced its support for the popular Outward Bound programme.

Debates over the future of Government's role in supporting Outward Bound resulted in the curtailing of this summer's programme, Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister Paula Cox said.

"There is no question of Government withdrawing its support for Outward Bound, the only question being what form such support should take,'' she said.

Instead of offering seven residential courses of five days duration at Paget Island and an overseas course in Wales, this year will see three week long day courses being offered together with the overseas course.

By freeing up some weeks, Outward Bound has been able to accommodate other youth organisations such as Camp Hope and the Family Learning Centre so more than 50 extra young people will be exposed to Outward Bound as a result.

Ms Cox said: "Both I and my colleague the Minister of Youth, Sport and Recreation recognise and value Outward Bound as a character building adventure programme for young people.'' She noted that Outward Bound was not a Government run operation, but a private operation with its own board.

"Government does support and subsidise it by providing facilities at Paget Island and through the active involvement of Police officers in coordinating its programmes.'' And she noted the Police's involvement in the programme was also under review.

"The Ministry of Labour, Home Affairs and Public Safety took the view that, though there is the commitment at the Government level for support of the Outward Bound programme, Police involvement in Outward Bound should be reviewed as a result of the Core Functions Review.

"The civilian post of senior instructor for Outward Bound, under the control and funded through the Police Service, was therefore subject to scrutiny.

"Accordingly, to maintain continuity in the programme, it has been decided that in the interim the post of senior instructor should be filled, while a longer term position on Government's resourcing for the Outward Bound programme is finalised, and the ultimate home is determined.''