Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 79: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of grants provided under the two programmes of grants for community and voluntary organisations during the past three years; his plans to expand this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19009/10]

Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I assume the Deputy is referring to the Programme of Grants for Locally-based Community and Voluntary Organisations, which provides support to smaller community and voluntary organisations to a) meet the refurbishment costs of community premises, b) purchase office and centre equipment to enhance the services provided, and c) enhance the capacity of volunteers and staff working in the community and voluntary sector with support to offset the costs of training and research.

Funding of some €13m has been paid to groups under the Programme in the years 2007 to 2009 as follows:

2007 - €6.5m;

2008 - €3.5m; and

2009 - €3.1m.

The Programme was suspended for new applications on 28th February 2009 and, given the ongoing pressure on public funds, I do not envisage it re-opening in the near future.