Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In fairness, over the past few years the local authorities have begun to engage with communities, and communities are beginning to work with the local authorities.

On some of the schemes I mentioned, one can see there are good community groups in every corner of the country . One issue I encounter in all the schemes, however, is applications from groups which are well able to draw down funding. The matter raised by the Deputy is one which I must explore, and I will have to provide some funding to support groups to set up businesses, learn about the applications available and get the support they need. Some groups are paying people to submit applications for them but that does not mean they are the most in need. I want to identify where the need is to ensure the groups which need it most are looked after.

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