Dáil Éireann debate - Thursday, 4 Mar 1999

Written Answers. - Grant Aid.

Paul McGrath

Question:

33 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he has received an application for funding from an organisation (details supplied); his views on whether this group provides valuable help to men in distressful circumstances; the funding available to groups providing similar services to women's groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6289/99]

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

The group referred to in the Deputy's question applied for a grant for networking seminars under my Department's 1998 scheme of grants to locally-based community and family support groups. This scheme is one of a number operated by my Department which concentrates on a wide range of support for voluntary and community groups involved in programmes of self-help and personal development, designed to tackle poverty and disadvantage and to improve family life. These provide valuable support for many groups dealing with difficult issues and problem areas.

An application from the group referred to was approved in September 1998 and a grant of £2,000 issued on 13 October 1998. The scheme was again advertised in the national and local newspapers at end-January last, with a closing date for receipt of applications of 12 March. It is open to the group in question to apply again this year for a suitable project.

However, I should emphasise that funding of services, whether for men's or women's groups, which are the responsibility of other statutory agencies is not available under my Department's grants schemes for locally-based community and voluntary groups. In this specific case, funding of services for victims of domestic abuse is the responsibility of the health services. However, there may be other aspects of the work of such groups that can qualify for assistance, as was the case with this group in 1998.