Vol. 482 No. 7
88 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the plans, if any, he has to regularise the funding of the Coolock Community Law Centre; and whether he will bring this law centre within the ambit of the National Social Services Board. [19209/97]
Since its establishment in 1975, the Coolock Community Law Centre has been funded from a variety of sources, including the Department of Justice, the Eastern Health Board and the Combat Poverty Agency.
This matter was taken over directly by my Department in 1994 and an annual grant of £100,000 was provided from 1994-96 inclusive. New procedures were then introduced and an application for funding for 1997 was considered in consultation with the National Social Service Board. A grant of £136,000 was subsequently provided to cover operating costs for this year.
The NSSB will continue to have a similar role in relation to 1998 funding and preliminary discussions have already taken place between the management of Coolock Community Law Centre, the NSSB and officials from my Department regarding their requirements for next year.
