Vol. 477 No. 2
249 Miss Coughlan asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will increase moneys to fund the Western Women's Link in view of the fact that the moneys already allocated will mean the cancellation of many programmes for 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9134/97]
The Western Women's Link is one of five women's networks which was funded by the Combat Poverty Agency from 1993-95 as part of a pilot programme. My Department took over funding of four of these networks in 1996 at the levels recommended by the agency. The women's networks resource and support women's groups in their area through information and advice, joint training, sharing of experiences and considering the policy issues arising from their work.
The Western Women's Link experienced a number of difficulties during the course of the pilot programme mainly surrounding the geographical spread of the network and ability to provide the level of support needed by the women's groups in its area. The group's development worker post became vacant in mid-1996 and has not been replaced. The Department has agreed to provide funding of £15,000 to Western Women's Link for 1997 on submission of a satisfactory workplan. I am satisfied that this is sufficient assistance from the Department to this group for now, having regard to the funding available to women's groups and networks generally and the current level of activity. The position for future years will be kept under review.
