Departmental Schemes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 October 2014

Wednesday, 8 October 2014

Questions (221)

Michael Creed

Question:

221. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to concerns being expressed regarding a governance issue at an organisation (details supplied) which is funded by his Department; if he is satisfied that the public funds which he provides to this organisation are properly accounted for; if he is further satisfied that the community alert service which is administered by this organisation but funded separately by the Health Service Executive and the Department of Justice and Equality is secure; if he will work with the HSE and the Department of Justice and Equality to secure continuing operation of this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38403/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

I am not aware of any concerns expressed in relation to the organisation referred to in the Question, which was funded by my Department under the Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO) in the Community and Voluntary Sector until the end of June 2014.

Applications for a new round of funding under the SSNO, which commenced on 1 July 2014, were subject to an appraisal process, for which the organisation in question was unsuccessful. I announced, on 18 July 2014, the allocation of bridging funding of €1.4m to a number of previously funded health, disability and other organisations for a twelve month period, including the organisation in question. This bridging funding in 2014/2015 is a once-off transitional arrangement and will enable organisations to plan for their future, whether with or without State support, such as that provided under the SSNO

I am satisfied that appropriate financial and other checks are carried out in the context of the provision of funding by my Department.

The administration of the Community Alert Scheme is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality.