I propose to take Questions Nos. 478 to 483, inclusive, together.
The programme of grants for locally-based community and voluntary organisations supports the activities of local voluntary and community groups addressing disadvantage by way of once-off grants. The programme for 2005 consists of two schemes: one makes funds available for the purchase of essential equipment and for small-scale refurbishment of premises. This is complemented by a second scheme to fund education, training and research initiatives in the community.
Grants of up to 90% of the cost are available under this scheme. The maximum grant for refurbishment is €40,000 while €10,000 is the limit in respect of the other scheme elements. The move to retrospective payment of grants in excess of €5,000 is to improve accountability in the expenditure of public funds. It should be borne in mind that amounts incurred below the €5,000 threshold will continue to be paid on the basis of subsequent provision of vouched expenditure. Arrangements are being made under the 2005 scheme to expedite payments within a matter of working days to groups who provide valid evidence of incurring eligible expenditure over €5,000. This arrangement reflects good practice and was an area touched on recently by the Committee of Public Accounts.
