Vol. 558 No. 4
86 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 110 of 23 October 2002 the progress which has been made regarding the allocation of grants for federations and networks to support their member groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24344/02]
The funding scheme to support the role of federations and networks 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.
A number of legal issues have arisen in the course of processing the applications. So as to ensure that eventual funding decisions command full public confidence it is necessary to re-advertise the scheme and to seek fresh applications.
The scheme will therefore be re-advertised at the earliest possible date. Accordingly, it will be necessary for any applicants who applied for funding under this scheme to re-apply under the re-advertised scheme should they wish to be considered for this funding. My Department will contact applicants by letter within the next week or so to inform them of the position.
