Vol. 530 No. 3
222 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he has received a submission from the Widows Association of Ireland regarding its wish to obtain a more suitable premises; the assistance he can give in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3718/01]
My Department has since 1994 supported women's groups and networks involved in anti-poverty work in their communities. The purpose of this programme is to provide grants to locally based community and family support groups involved in programmes of self-help and personal development designed to tackle poverty and disadvantage and improve family life. The National Association of Widows in Ireland is currently in receipt of funding from my Department under this programme, with funding of £12,000 committed to them for 2001 towards their overheads and activities.
No submission has been received from the National Association of Widows in Ireland in relation to the acquisition of premises. If the association wish to make a request for a contribution towards the cost of the acquisition of premises this will be considered by my Department in the context of available resources.
