Community Development.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 March 2008

Tuesday, 11 March 2008

Ceisteanna (257, 258)

James Bannon

Ceist:

334 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the volume of paperwork demanded by Pobal as a requirement of maintaining the community services programme could be reduced, as not-for-profit tourist attractions (details supplied) in County Westmeath are being swamped by the amount of regulation and administration involved in running the organisation, at a time when the Government is expounding the benefits of volunteerism and community projects on the one hand, but compromising their endeavours on the other by excess red tape; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10128/08]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)

Pobal administers the Community Services Programme (CSP) on behalf of my Department. They assess all applications for funding and review the projects that receive grants. The assessment and review process carried out by Pobal ensures that reporting on the projects funded complies with the accountability requirements for public funds and has a genuine positive impact on the communities involved. As part of its role, Pobal also hosts information seminars and provides ongoing advice to groups applying to and involved in the CSP.

I have been concerned, however, to ensure that the Programme is administered in as simple and accessible a way as possible, while maintaining good practices. In this regard, I met with executives of Pobal recently and I asked them to review and, if necessary, amend procedures to minimise the administrative burden on community groups while maintaining accountability requirements. My Department will keep progress in relation to this matter under review on an ongoing basis.

Phil Hogan

Ceist:

335 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the rationale for withdrawing funding for the Framework Support Agency from 31 May 2008; the form of support that will be in place from 1 June 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10155/08]

Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Pat Carey)

I refer the Deputy to my reply to question number 433 on 19 February 2008.