Vol. 529 No. 1
873 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 156 of 6 December 2000, this matter was considered by the technical committee of the community development programme; and if not, if it will be referred to it urgently so that the matter can be expedited. [30462/00]
As indicated in my response to a parliamentary question of 6 December 2000, the application from community technical aid was referred to the standing operational committee of the community development programme for consideration of additional support structures, including specialist support needs within the Department's programmes. As previously advised, the standing operational committee took the view that before individual proposals to provide technical assistance were considered, a strategic decision was required on whether or not such technical assistance was an identified need within the programme.
The committee having deliberated on whether such technical assistance was deemed warranted, given the extensive support structures already provided for within the community development support programmes, then referred the matter to the national advisory committee for further consideration.
The standing operational committee and the advisory committee are involved in a major review of programme structures at present and a decision regarding the need for additional support mechanisms within the programme is not envisaged for some time.
The group referred to in the Deputy's question were advised of the situation at a meeting convened by my Department on 17 January 2001. They were also advised that should they wish to apply for funding as an individual group under my Department's community development support programmes, as opposed to becoming part of the support structures, that they could submit their application to the technical group for assessment.
The technical group are an independent assessment group comprised of representatives from ADM, CPA, my Department and projects already funded under the community development support programmes. The function of this group is to assess applications from groups seeking inclusion in the community development support programmes and to advise me accordingly.
The group submitted a revised application which was presented to the technical group for consideration on 25 January 2001. The technical group have made their recommendations to me on this and other applications considered by them. My Department will advise each applicant group of the outcome as soon as I have concluded my deliberations on the recommendations made to me by the technical group.
