Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 182: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will secure funding for a law centre (details supplied) in Dublin 17. [12914/11]

Seán Kenny (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 196: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide further funding in 2011 through the grants for the development and promotion of information and welfare right to a centre (details supplied) to enable them to provide the vital services to their local community. [12674/11]

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 198: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding funding for a centre (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12724/11]

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Dublin North Central, Labour)
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Question 199: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason funding has been withdrawn from an organisation (details supplied) which provides services to the local community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12739/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 182, 196, 198 and 199 together.

The Department has invested significant funding to the organisation concerned over the years in support of the services it provides within the Dublin North-Central and Dublin North-East areas.

The funding is provided under the scheme of grants for the development and promotion of information and welfare rights. Applications for grants are made by way of completing and submitting an application form annually which is then assessed in the context of the scheme and the financial resources available. In considering previous applications the Department has advised the organisation to secure funding from more appropriate revenue sources in the public and private sectors. While acknowledging that progress has been made by the organisation in developing additional revenue streams through its own activity, the Department remains the primary funder.

With regard to continued funding by the Department €175,000 has so far been provided in 2011 in order to ensure services are maintained. Officials met with the organisation concerned in April to discuss further funding. Following the meeting a letter issued to the chair of the board outlining the Department's position and that it was prepared to meet with representatives of the board to discuss the situation. Arrangements are currently being made with the organisation to secure a date for this meeting that is suitable for all parties.