Vol. 560 No. 3
300 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the assistance he can give to a community project (details supplied) in sorting out an administrative blockage in progressing the renovation and purchase of this community training centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2279/03]
I have been informed by the South Western Area Health Board that the project referred to by the Deputy was allocated funding from the premises fund under the aegis of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. Where funding under this fund is channelled through a health board or other statutory agency, it is a condition of the funding that the project must abide by the rules of that agency in regard to the disbursement of moneys.
Capital grant funding made by health boards must comply with certain financial arrangements as laid down by my Department. These arrangements are designed, inter alia, to protect the tax payer's ongoing interest in relation to the capital investment made. I understand that the project referred to by the Deputy was informed of the need to fulfil these requirements when approval for this funding was given.
I am advised that the South Western Area Health Board is in continued discussion with representatives of the project in relation to ensuring that the project complies with its financial obligations.
