Vol. 501 No. 1
157 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if his Department received an application for funding from St. Catherine's community services centre for a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; if so, if the application has been processed; when a decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5385/99]
My Department has for a number of years operated a range 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.
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.
The group referred to in the Deputy's question has submitted an application to the south-eastern regional office for funding towards the cost of extension of the premises under the above scheme. The cost of the proposed extension is substantial. The work of the centre primarily covers services that are the responsibility of the South-Eastern Health Board and the group has been advised to make an application to the health board for funding towards this project. The regional office has also been in discussions with the health board with regard to the application.
I am favourably disposed to making a contribution towards these capital costs. However, the costs involved are substantial and the support of the centre's services is primarily the responsibility of another agency. My Department is not in a position to consider making a contribution towards this project unless the balance of the necessary funds has been secured from other sources. As I announced at the beginning of this month, Carlow is one of the areas identified for the expansion of the community development and family and community resource centre programmes. The location of the projects is to be decided following further consultation locally. The group referred to in the Deputy's question will be included in that consultation process.
