Vol. 520 No. 4
169 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he will allocate funds to the Navan branch of the Irish Wheelchair Association in 2000 in order that it can complete a number of projects which it is undertaking at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15856/00]
The Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs' grants schemes concentrate on a wide range of support for local self-help groups, community development, welfare rights and information work. These grant schemes are aimed at developing people and their capacity to participate in society, rather than at the provision of services or at direct economic development or job creation initiatives.
I am aware that the Navan branch of the Irish Wheelchair Association has applied for funding of £4,000 under the year 2000 scheme of grants for community development, education and training, towards the cost of training its members to participate in their local branches and committees. All applications under this scheme are currently being processed by my regional office in Dundalk. As the Deputy can appreciate, it will take some time to process these applications, but my Department will be in touch with the Irish Wheelchair Association as soon as a decision has been made regarding their application.
