asked the Minister for Labour the amount of money available in 1986 for the allocation and payment of grants to voluntary organisations including residents' associations to enable them to provide community and recreational centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter indicating his proposals to deal with applications received since January 1986.
Written Answers. - Allocations to Voluntary Organisations.
154.
As I have indicated in reply to Dáil Question No. 1 of 6 March 1986 a total sum of £1.2 million is available in 1986 under the capital grants scheme to meet existing commitments and for allocation to new projects. The amount available for allocation to new projects cannot be determined precisely at this stage as it depends on the level of expenditure on existing commitments in the present year. A large number of grants approved in 1985 have involved the carry-over of heavy commitments to 1986 and because of this it will be possible to assist only a small number of new projects this year.
As I also indicated previously, the closing date for receipt of completed applications in respect of the 1986 allocation was 31 December 1985 and applications received after that date cannot be considered until the 1987 provision is being allocated.