Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 181: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when funding can or will be offered by his Department or through the Dormant Accounts Fund to an organisation (details supplied) in County Kildare for the provision of modern computer equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25333/06]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, following Government approval, I announced details on 4th January 2006 concerning the allocation of €24 million for the purpose of supporting programmes and projects tackling economic and social disadvantage. The roll-out of these measures is well under way and applications are being invited for the specific programmes on a phased basis as the operational arrangements are finalised.

With regard to funding for ICT initiatives, up to €1 million is available on the Vote of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources from dormant accounts in 2006 to support projects helping disadvantaged young people to adapt to information technology. In this regard a public call for applications was made on June 7th 2006 and the closing date for receipt of completed applications is 5pm on Monday July 31st 2006. Application Forms and Guidelines are available from Pobal (www.pobal.ie), which has been engaged for the initial processing of applications.