Vol. 555 No. 2
405 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding an application for grant aid by a group (details supplied) in Dublin 7 under the federations and networks grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18535/02]
406 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when he will announce the list of successful applicants who will benefit under the federation and networks grants scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18555/02]
407 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when it is proposed to announce the allocation of grants under the federations and networks grants scheme in view of the fact that applications closed on 19 November 2001 and that the groups which have applied are extremely anxious to know whether they will have sufficient funding to continue their work. [18614/02]
409 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reasons for the delay in administering the funding for national representative bodies and networks which was promised in the White Paper on Supporting Voluntary Activity published in September 2000; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that applications for funding were sought in November 2001 but have not to date been responded to; and when such funds will be paid out to the qualifying bodies. [18212/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 405, 406, 407 and 409 together.
The funding scheme to support the role of federations and network in the community and voluntary sector is one of a number of measures introduced by the White Paper on Supporting Voluntary Activity with the objective of supporting and developing the sector.
The scheme attracted 152 applications which required detailed examination and assessment which was carried out with the assistance of the White Paper's implementation and advisory group. The group which consists of both statutory and voluntary representatives is tasked with advising on the implementation of the recommendations contained in the White Paper. The assessment stage of the process is largely complete. However, a small number of administrative matters remain which must be addressed before my Department can bring the scheme to a conclusion. Every effort is being made to ensure that these matters will be finalised shortly.
Applicants will be advised of the outcome in respect of their application at the earliest possible date.
