Vol. 575 No. 3
346 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will report on the delay in approving the grants under the community support for older people; when the grants will be approved; and if the scheme will be advertised earlier in the year. [28082/03]
The scheme of community support for older people, which provides funding for initiatives to improve the security and social support of vulnerable older people, was advertised in both local and national newspapers during the week beginning 4 August 2003, with a closing date of 17 September 2003. A total of €3.4 million has been allocated to the scheme this year.
Applications for funding under the scheme are currently under consideration and I hope to announce details of the grants to be awarded in the coming weeks. I intend to re-advertise the scheme earlier next year, most likely in the first quarter.
