Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 3 Jul 2001

Vol. 540 No. 1

Written Answers. - International Year of Volunteers.

Liam Aylward

Ceist:

379 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs when a decision on the application for assistance under the international year of volunteers grant scheme by a group (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be made. [19809/01]

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

The United Nations has proclaimed 2001 as the International Year of Volunteers known as IYV 2001. The year is designed to enhance recognition, facilitation, networking and promotion of volunteer service.

On 5 December, leading on from the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, I launched the National Committee on Volunteering, under the chairmanship of Deputy Flood. A budget of £1 million was allocated by my Department to assist the committee in carrying out its functions.

The national committee decided to allocate £350,000 from the £1 million for the purpose of a grant scheme to assist in its objectives of supporting voluntary and community organisations at national and local level. This grant scheme was advertised in the national press on 29 March 2001, with a closing date for applications of 11 May 2001.

A subcommittee of the national committee was established to assess applications received under the grant scheme. I understand that an application has been received from the group referred to by the Deputy. The National Committee on Volunteering intend to notify all applicants this week as to whether their applications have been successful or unsuccessful.

Question No. 380 answered with Question No. 377.