Seán Haughey
Question:267 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the grant assistance, if any, given to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6072/00]
Written Answers. - Departmental Grants.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is in receipt of an annual grant of £1 million from my Department. The purpose of the grant is primarily to support their charitable work over the Christmas period.
Christmas time has traditionally been the time of greatest demand for the society's services as those affected by poverty, unemployment and disadvantage feel the effects of their situation most acutely at this time of year.
The allocation made to the society in 1999 included an additional once-off grant of £100,000 towards the cost of developing a co-ordinated administration and development structure for the society.
Local conferences of St. Vincent de Paul have also made funding applications over the years under the various once-off grant schemes operated by my Department. Information relating to the total amount of once-off grants approved last year in respect of these conferences is not currently available.