Vol. 491 No. 3
369 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs his views in relation to the future funding and organisation of Coolock Community Law Centre, Dublin 5; his views on whether it would be appropriate for the centre to be linked in some way with the NSSB; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11887/98]
Since its establishment in 1975, the Coolock Community Law Centre — CCLC — 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 to 1996 inclusive. Under new procedures introduced in 1997, applications for funding from a number of organisations providing, inter alia, welfare rights and information services are considered in consultation with the National Social Service Board — NSSB. Grants of £136,000 and up to £160,000 have been approved for 1997 and 1998 respectively.
The Coolock Communty Law Centre is one of many organisations funded through various grant schemes administered by my Department. Under these schemes, applications for funding are normally considered on an annual basis but, in certain circumstances, approval may be given for a longer period, usually not exceeding three years. It is envisaged that the NSSB will continue to have a role in relation to funding but the question of developing closer working links is a matter for consideration by the board of the NSSB and the management committee of the CCLC.
