I propose to take Questions Nos. 273 to 276, inclusive, and Questions Nos. 278 to 280, inclusive, together.
The Carmichael Centre for Voluntary Groups is seeking State core-funding of €300,000 per annum to remain open. The centre has an annual income in excess of €600,000, not including the recent commitment of €150,000 from the Department of Health and Children, mainly coming from State sources.
The buildings used by the Carmichael Centre are provided rent and rates-free by the State to that organisation. The member groups or tenants of the Carmichael Centre enjoy rent-free accommodation in the buildings.
The demand from the centre that the State provide €300,000 per annum in core-funding appears to arise from the need to replace funds from philanthropic sources which ceased in September 2003. That such funding was finite and would cease on a given date could not have come as a surprise to the centre. Many organisations in the sector receive such funding from time to time but do not operate with a built-in assumption that the State will replace it when it runs out. State resources are limited and organisations in every sector must present a solid case for State support built on sound argument and prudent management. The Carmichael Centre must be subject to a critical appraisal of its activities in order that its income and expenditure be brought into a more realistic balance.
In consultation with the Minister for Health and Children, I will shortly invite representatives of the Carmichael Centre to discussions on this matter. We will be prepared, if necessary, to look at alternative arrangements to allow the buildings to continue to be available to the sector.
The Government will not allow the closure of the buildings as a resource for the sector and they will continue to be made available by the State to accommodate voluntary groups and organisations. Community employment/social economy jobs will continue to be an integral part of any future arrangements.
Funding provided by my Department to Carmichael Centre in 2003 was as follows: €75,000 to assist the centre with ongoing costs; and €5,500 under the scheme of grants for locally-based community and voluntary organisations in respect of refurbishment costs at the centre. In addition, an allocation of €120,000 —€40,000 per annum over three years — was approved in 2003 under the scheme of training and supports for the community and voluntary sector. The first tranche of €40,000 was paid earlier this year.
