The Deputy will be aware that my Department administers a number of well-established grant schemes aimed at assisting communities experiencing disadvantage or isolation. In addition, my Department receives applications from groups or individuals that seek funding outside the parameters of established schemes.
Groups are well aware that, from time to time, Departments may, going into December, identify unexpected savings on their Vote for a variety of reasons. Where such potential savings on the Vote arise very late in the year they can provide the opportunity to provide support in a few such cases without reducing the spend on the established schemes. Timeframes involved result in uncertainty as to availability of any funding in this area.
Clearly, criteria for considering applications in this context apply. In the case of the once-off payments made by this Department towards the end of 2004 the broad criteria that were applied included: appropriate to the Department's Vote; focus on disadvantage-isolation; promoting and supporting community development; developing the State's relationship with the community and voluntary sector; and promoting rural development, particularly in the area of transport, health, housing and education. These criteria are informed, inter alia, by the Department’s statement of strategy.
In 2004, applications from nine groups were considered for funding under this heading. Five of the groups were approved for funding. The amount allocated under this heading in 2004 was €530,000 out of a total Departmental spend close on €310 million.
The accounting and audit requirements attaching to these once-off payments are set out in the following appendix:
Appendix
Once-off payments — Conditions applying: the group's income and expenditure account show clearly receipt of this funding; receipts and vouchers to the total value of the grant should be retained by group (a receipt is a voucher which is clearly marked paid on its face); a statement by the group's auditors to the effect that they have examined the group's accounts and can certify that the grant was spent for the purposes set out; submission of a copy of the group's audited accounts as soon as they become available; adherence to the required tax clearance arrangements; payment of this grant will be subject to appropriate checks by our internal audit unit during 2005.
