Vol. 522 No. 2
329 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the total amounts of money allocated by his Department under all headings to projects in County Louth for each of the years from 1997 to date; the details of each project to which the money was allocated; the amount allocated in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18018/00]
My Department operates a number of community development support programmes, namely, a community development programme; a family and community services resource centre programme; and a programme of core funding to locally based community and family support groups.
The purpose of these programmes is to provide seed money to enable locally based community groups to pilot initiatives identified as meeting new and emerging needs. The programmes are concerned with promoting positive change in society in favour of those who benefit least from economic development and are focused primarily on enhancing the capacity of those experiencing poverty and disadvantage to participate more effectively in society.
My Department also funds a number of once-off grant schemes which concentrate on support for local self-help groups, community development, welfare rights and information work.
The once-off grants are: a scheme of grants to voluntary organisations; a community development education and training grants scheme; and a scheme of grants for locally-based community and family support groups.
In addition, there are some 50 money advice and budgeting service projects supported by my Department around the country at present. These projects provide an advice and budget management service to people in difficulty with moneylending and over indebtedness.
Details of all grants made under the various schemes-programmes have been made available to the Oireachtas Library each year to 1999 for the information of members. Details of the 2000 grants will likewise be made available early in 2001.
