Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will not delay the Minister. That scheme was really successful. A lot of groups did not get funding and are waiting to see when they can apply again. Maybe if there was any extra funding or funding that was not spent between now and the end of the year, the Minister might look at the ones that made applications for this year. The Minister and her Department were on the ball. A lot of new people were forced on communities and the communities responded very well. However, some of the State agencies did not come in and give them the support they needed. The Minister's Department did, and many organisations are stretched, doing their best to try to accommodate, help and support, particularly for children who are staying in hotels. They are providing outlets, looking into community halls and getting in contact with sporting organisations. I hope the Government will respond and give the Minister and her Department the support they deserve. The communities have responded, she has responded, and she needs more funding for that project.

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