Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 130: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of applications for grant aid from County Kildare under the various schemes operated by his Department from various groups, bodies or agencies throughout County Kildare in the past 12 months to date; the extent to which it is expected to meet these in full in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24012/09]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 136: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of applications for grant aid under the various schemes operated by his Department received to date in 2009; the way this compares with previous years; his views as to whether it is likely that such requirements will be met in 2009 or subsequent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24018/09]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 138: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the degree to which he expects to address issues of socio-economic deprivation or adjustment in the course of 2009 in view of the extent of the demands before his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24020/09]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 130, 136 and 138 together.

The Deputy will appreciate that my Department oversees a wide range of programmes and schemes under which groups can seek funding, directly or through intermediaries. Given the large numbers involved and the fact that some of these are not managed directly by the Department but by other bodies on the Department's behalf, it is not possible to respond without further information as to the material being sought.

If the Deputy wishes to advise as to any particular programme or scheme in which he has a particular interest I will be happy to follow up on the matter. In terms of comparison with previous years, the Deputy will be aware that it has been necessary to suspend the application process for a number of Schemes, Programmes or individual measures as a result of the economic situation. The result will be lower levels of applications than in previous years.

Although funding for some programmes operated by my Department has been reduced because of the pressure on public finances, I still expect that resources will be directed in a targeted and effective manner to ensure maximum impact in the area of socio-economic deprivation or adjustment, and all other priority areas.