John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 183: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will ensure that the maximum financial assistance under the community and voluntary organisation 2006 is provided to a group (details supplied) in County Sligo for the equipment grant; when it will be sanctioned; the amount that will be granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37111/06]

John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 187: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will ensure that funding is allocated for equipment to a group (details supplied) in County Leitrim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37270/06]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 183 and 187 together.

A substantial number of applications, including from the organisations referred to by the Deputy, have been received by my Department under the 2006 Programme of Grants for Locally-Based Community and Voluntary Organisations and these are currently being assessed. Decisions in respect of all applications will be made by me following this assessment process. All groups will be notified in writing of my decision as soon as possible.

Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 185: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when he expects to approve funding for a group (details supplied); the other groups awaiting approval; if he will ensure that swift approval is provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37235/06]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Funding has already been provided to community groups in respect of 46 applications under the Scheme of Community Support for Older People. The case mentioned by the Deputy is one of approximately 120 further applications that will be considered for approval shortly. Where an application is approved, payment will issue promptly. A further 80 applications approximately are in earlier stages of processing; in some cases additional information is awaited from the community groups to assist completion of their applications.

I should point out that as a result of important changes I introduced to the Scheme this year, applications from community groups can now be submitted at any time during the year. One of the benefits of this change is that applications are now being processed faster than in previous years under this Scheme.