Community Development.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 November 2004

Thursday, 18 November 2004

Ceisteanna (134)

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

134 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that family resource centres have been excluded from the support scheme for community and voluntary groups in 2004; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that this is seriously undermining the funding of many important community centres; and if there are alternative sources of funds which might assist centres such as a family resource centre (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [29548/04]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Mr. N. Ahern)

In reviewing the operation of the programme of grants for locally based community and voluntary organisations 2004, and having regard to the funds available for the programme and the availability of funding from other sources, a number of categories of organisations were excluded from applying under the programme. Family resource centres were one of those categories excluded.

The Department of Social and Family Affairs funds family resource centres under the family and community services resource programme through the Family Support Agency, and it is open to the group in question to apply for funding under that programme.