Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 99: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has sought or recouped funding under any of the grant systems as operated by his Department or its agencies; if so, the agency and the funding recouped; if there is outstanding amounts that can be recouped; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16741/09]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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It is normal practice for my Department to seek to recoup funding where appropriate circumstances arise from beneficiaries of my Department's various schemes and programmes. Records indicate that in 2008, my Department recouped funding in the amount of €2.027 million as set out in the following table.

I should advise the Deputy that under the Leader Programmes 2000-2006 the funding was provided to Leader groups on an advance basis. My Department is now dealing with the groups in reconciling amounts disbursed where there is a balance owing. It is anticipated that the amount of €395,725 will be recouped.

In addition I understand that €104,099 has been recouped to date in relation projects approved for funding under the Dormant Accounts Fund. A further amount of under €10,000 is expected to be recouped. These amounts represent funds approved for projects that did not proceed to implementation and completed projects where small amounts remained unspent at completion. Furthermore, over €122,815 has been recouped under the Programme of Grants to Locally Based Community and Voluntary Organisations. Details of all monies recouped by Údarás na Gaeltachta, are published in the organisation's Annual Report and Accounts, which are laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. While the organisation's 2008 Annual Report and Accounts are currently under preparation, I understand from Údarás na Gaeltachta that the provisional figure in respect of 2008 is €291,000. I should also point out that moneys recouped by Údarás na Gaeltachta are not repaid to my Department.