Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 70: To ask the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of projects in County Kildare that have received funding under the equality for women measure; the number of applications from County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39277/10]

Mary White (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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The Equality for Women Measure 2008-2013 provides targeted opportunities for women in employment, training, entrepreneurship and decision-making, using ESF and Exchequer funding. To date, two phases of the Measure have been advertised extensively, inviting applications from a wide range of service providers, including community-based not-for-profit groups, recognised training bodies, State agencies, trade unions and employer groups. The 2008-2013 Measure was first advertised in 2008 and focused on initiatives to enable disadvantaged women to acquire skills to prepare them to for employment or to enter mainstream training or education.

Three project applications were submitted by groups based in County Kildare. Each application was appraised on its own merits and none scored highly enough to receive funding. Due to the economic downturn, it was only possible to make funding of €30,000 each available to 37 groups. These groups were offered a second tranche of funding and the total commitment under this two year phase was about €2 million. A new call for proposals was made earlier this year, again with a media campaign. The scope of the Measure was broadened to include additional entrepreneurship initiatives and the advancement of women who are in employment. On this occasion, no applications were received from projects located in County Kildare.

Following the appraisal of 190 applications, completed by Pobal, 43 projects received funding offers of up to €50,000 each, earlier this month. This funding, totalling €1.903 million per annum, may be renewed, subject to conditions. The Measure will be reviewed again in late 2011 and may be refocused and/or re-advertised at that time.