Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 288: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if urgent assistance will be given to the northside community law centre in its funding crisis (details supplied) in order that it remain open for the community in Coolock, in the form of the maximum grant. [12767/05]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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The northside community law centre is one of a number of organisations which are funded under my Department's scheme of grants for the development and promotion of information and welfare rights. Since its establishment in 1975, the centre has been funded exclusively by State agencies with my Department taking over direct funding in 1995. Annual funding has increased progressively over the years and my Department provided €215,000 to the centre in 2004. In 2005, advance payments totalling €140,000 have been paid and it is costing €35,000 per month to keep the centre open.

I am fully cognisant of the valuable role which a community-based legal advice service such as the northside community law centre can play in the delivery of a comprehensive and cost effective legal advice service for citizens. However, I am satisfied that my Department is not in the long term the most appropriate source of funding for this service having regard to the fact that the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform has primary responsibility for funding legal aid services.

Social welfare queries dealt with by the centre in 2004 represented less than 5% of its annual business. I have, therefore, written to my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, regarding future funding of the centre as an integral part of its legal aid services.

In the meantime, my Department will continue to fund the centre for a period. The centre is seeking a substantial increase in funding for 2005 which my Department will not be in a position to meet from its budget. Discussions are continuing with the centre's management on these issues.