Funding is available from the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs towards the cost of staffing and equipping of local resource centres which provide a focal point for community development activities in disadvantaged areas under the community development programme and the family and community services resource centre programme.
Applications from groups seeking inclusion in the CDP are assessed by an independent technical group established to advise me on decisions in relation to the selection of new areas and groups for funding.
To date, no such application for either the community development programme or the family and community services resource centre programme has been received in my Department from the group referred to in the Deputy's question. Should the group decide to apply, the application will, of course, receive due consideration.