Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 February 2014
467. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of meetings he has had with representatives of charities which are losing funding as a result of the discontinuing of the charitable lotteries fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6803/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraBeneficiaries of the Charitable Lotteries Scheme were advised by way of a letter from me dated 5th October 2012 that this Scheme would be phased out over a 3 year period, with effect from late 2013. This gradual phase out is intended to give affected organisations as much time as possible to adjust to the change and to consider how they may increase the funding they receive through other fundraising projects.
I have not met with representatives of the beneficiary charities since advising them of the phase out of the Scheme. In November 2012, a judicial review of my decision to phase out the Scheme was initiated by the Rehab Group, beneficiaries of the Scheme. A hearing took place in the High Court in July 2013 and judgement is awaited. I do not envisage meeting with representatives of the beneficiary charities while judgement is pending in this matter.
I previously met with representatives of the Rehab Group in November 2011, to discuss the Scheme and its future.
