Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 13: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the breakdown of his recent announcement of grant assistance to the Orange Order; the effect it is envisaged the proposals will have on the communities of the Border region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5571/08]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I recently announced that funding would be provided for a development officer to address the needs of groups using Orange Halls in border counties. The monies will be allocated to Cadolemo Ltd, a company which is being established by Orange Order Lodges in Counties Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim and Monaghan, to support this innovative community-based initiative. The funding will amount to €120,000 per annum over a two-year period.

The work of the development officer will focus on the provision of support, training and mentoring in relation to capacity building and community development among the groups in question, as well as facilitating the securing of funding for the repair and refurbishment of Orange Hall facilities. Assistance for refurbishment works to a number of Orange Halls has separately been approved under the Locally-based Community Grants Scheme operated by my Department. The development officer will be expected to build on this by prioritising the further repair and refurbishment of facilities in the counties in question in consultation with the communities, local authorities and other relevant agencies. I am confident that this initiative will be well received by all communities in the border region as a positive statement that we respect and support all our citizens, and their traditions and identities, in this State.