My Department operates a number of grant schemes which concentrate on a wide range of support for local self-help groups, community development, welfare rights and information work, and on the provision of seed money to enable community groups to pilot initiatives identified as meeting new emerging community needs. The 1998 grants schemes were announced in January this year with a closing date in March. Applications received under these schemes are being processed by my Department at present.
One of the grant schemes operated by my Department is the scheme of grants to voluntary organisations under which once-off grants are provided to help voluntary and community groups working with disadvantaged groups or in disadvantaged areas. Grants may be made available under this scheme towards the cost of renovation or acquisition of premises or the purchase of equipment.
However, my Department has no record of having received an application from the group mentioned in the Deputy's question, under this or any of the other once-off grant schemes, towards the cost of establishing community facilities.
