Vol. 517 No. 6
324 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the number of community groups which he hopes to support by way of grant aid in 2000; the location of these groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10861/00]
My Department has for a number of years operated a range of grants schemes and community development support programmes 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 and emerging community needs. The 2000 scheme of grants was advertised extensively in the national and provincial newspapers on 27 January 2000. Closing date for receipt of applications was 10 March 2000. Applications are currently being assessed in the regional offices of my Department.
Community groups seeking funding under the various grants schemes operated by my Department are required to have an anti-poverty focus and to promote the participation of people experiencing poverty and social exclusion. In assessing applications received under the various schemes, my Department must establish the extent to which groups, and the particular project for which funding is sought, addresses such poverty and exclusion. In allocating funding it is also necessary to take account of the overall demands under the schemes and the level of funding available to meet these demands.
