Dinny McGinley
Question:108 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will make a statement on the cutback in the budget for An Foras Teanga of 11%. [24522/02]
Written Answers. - Departmental Expenditure.
As the Deputy is aware, a provision of €12.416 million for An Foras Teanga is included in the 2003 Abridged Estimates volume. In addition, the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure in the North will be allocating matching funding to the body in accordance with agreed relativities.
While I regret the reduction that has been made in the provision for An Foras Teanga, this must be set in the context of the major increases in funding provided by the Government to this body in recent years – from €7.577 million in 2000 to €14 million in the current year.
I am confident that An Foras Teanga will be able to continue to implement a full programme of work within the overall funding it will receive next year.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:109 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason for the cut in the 2003 estimate for his Department of 6% in the allocation for grants for local development and social inclusion measures; the specific areas in which the cuts will take place; the implications for local development and social inclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24446/02]
The local development social inclusion programme or LDSIP is administered on behalf of the Department by ADM Limited and delivered at local level by 38 area partnerships and 33 community groups located throughout the country. The programme encompasses three main measures, i.e., services for the unemployed, community development, and community based youth initiatives. There is a provision of €44.9 million in the Department's Vote for 2003 for this programme.
While there is a reduction of approximately 6% in the allocation for this programme in 2003, the Deputy should be aware that ADM is actively working with partnerships and community groups to minimise the impact of the reduction on the provision of services next year. I am satisfied that the valuable work undertaken by partnerships and community groups will continue in 2003.
Questions Nos. 110 and 111 answered with Question No. 106.
Question No. 112 Answered with Question No. 90.