asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will state in relation to the £500,000 which was allocated in the budget for voluntary bodies in the social services area: (a) by whom the money is being allocated; (b) how much money has been allocated so far and the organisations and amounts involved; (c) when the balance of the money will be allocated; and (d) the criteria which have been used or will be used in deciding the organisations which are to receive funds.
Written Answers. - Financial Allocations to Voluntary Bodies.
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The money referred to by the Deputy in his question will be allocated by me. None of it, however, has as yet been allocated. As announced in the Budget Statement, the amount of £500,000 will be used in the current year towards the work of suitable voluntary bodies in the social services area, preferably for once-off projects, after consultations with the health bodies.
The advice of the health boards has been sought and the process of consultation is almost completed. A decision on the bodies to whom grants will be made and the amounts of the grants will be made shortly.