Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 93: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will provide a list of the cases in which grants were allocated under the scheme of equipment and refurbishment grants, and the scheme of education, training and research grants for 2003 and 2004; if, in his reply, he will provide the details of instances where funding provided through these grants was not fully used by the benefactors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36879/05]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The programme of grants for locally-based community and voluntary organisations is funded by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and supports the activities of local voluntary and community groups, addressing disadvantage in their community.

The programme consists of two schemes: one makes funds available for the purchase of essential equipment such as office furniture and for small scale refurbishment of premises. This is complemented by a second scheme to provide education, training and research grants.

Grants of up to 90% of the cost are available under this programme. The maximum grant for refurbishment is €40,000; for equipment it is €10,000; and for training, education and research it is also €10,000.

The list of applicants approved for grants under the 2003 and 2004 programmes are available on my Department's website, www.pobail.ie.

With regard to 2003, I am not aware of instances where funding provided through these grants was not fully used. I am aware that a small number of groups which were awarded larger grants under the 2004 programme have not yet completed their projects, however, except in one case, these projects are due for completion by end 2005. My Department is in ongoing correspondence with all these groups. In addition, there are a number of instances involving smaller grants, less than € 10,000, where my Department is not yet completely satisfied that the grant paid has been fully accounted for. My Department is following up with the relevant groups.

Full accounting for such grants is a prerequisite for consideration of any further funding under the programme for the groups concerned.