Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 April 2007
85 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding provided by combat poverty to an organisation (details supplied) in County Donegal; if he is satisfied that the funding is used for the purpose intended and not for the promotion of a political party; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15372/07]
View answerI understand that the organisation to which the Deputy refers has received funding of some €1.36m in total for 4 projects over a 10 year period through Border Action, an intermediary funding body under the Peace Programme comprising Pobal and Combat Poverty. While funding for a range of measures under the Peace Programme — including the measure under which the organisation in question was funded — is channelled from my Department through the Special EU Programmes Body, the assessment and approval of funding applications is carried out independently by Selection Committees established by Border Action for this purpose.
I understand that the funding in this case has been used to deliver a programme of information and advice, education and training, counselling and mentoring as a progression to employment and integration. I am also informed that the expenditure has been verified and audited in accordance with procedures required under EU Regulations.
