Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 46: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of applications received to date under the community supports for older people; if further funding has been allocated to this project; if applications are still being received for this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47028/09]

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will be aware of commitments I made earlier in the year that the Scheme of Community Support for Older People would be reintroduced when a review of its operations was completed. I am studying the findings of the review at present and I expect that revised arrangements will be put in place in early 2010. Prior to the suspension of the Scheme in April, 214 applications from community groups were received on behalf of 3,695 older people. Some €1.28m was paid in grants to these groups. Since the beginning of October, my Department has received a further 320 applications. All applications have been processed with an additional 2,540 older people benefitting from it since the Scheme was re-introduced.