Vol. 566 No. 1
752 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the grants paid to each organisation to provide security for the elderly for each of the past four years; the number of days between the application being received and the grant being issued; the cost of processing these applications per application for the past four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11775/03]
My Department has responsibility for the administration of the scheme of community support for older people which provides funding for initiatives to improve the security and social support of vulnerable older people.
The details of all organisations funded and the number of beneficiaries under the scheme up to 2001 are available in the Oireachtas Library for the information of the members. Details of organisations funded in 2002 will be made available by the end of May. I attach for the information of the Deputy a table outlining the number of applications processed and paid since 1999.
While it is not possible to determine the precise cost of processing each application, I can confirm that the administration of the scheme during the past four years, has been supported by staff in ten regional offices of the Department of Social and Family Affairs.
While every effort is made to ensure the prompt processing of applications, the application process can take in the region of three-four months. Many delays occur as a result of the failure of applying organisations to submit satisfactory accounts in respect of previous grants paid or necessary documentation in respect of current grant applications. In administering this and other grant schemes, my Department must ensure that all criteria are adhered to. Applications are processed as quickly as possible once all the necessary documentation has been received.
A breakdown of funding under the scheme of community support for older people since 1999 is as follows:
Appendix 1
|
Year |
No. of groups Applied |
Amount paid |
|
1999 |
619 |
£2,968,187 |
|
2000 |
571 |
£3,175,989 |
|
2001 |
461 |
£2,109,481 |
|
2002 |
432 |
€2,671,000 |
