Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 602: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the reduction of the budget of an association (details supplied) by 30%; and the steps he will take to reinstate original funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23064/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I acknowledge the Deputies views in relation to the reduction of the allocation for the Charitable Lotteries Scheme.

Nevertheless, the present economic circumstances facing the country cannot be ignored. The position at present is that the total amount of expenditure on schemes part funded by the National Lottery, including the Scheme of Assistance for Charitable Lotteries, exceeds the amount available from the National Lottery Fund. Unfortunately, in light of the current position, the amount of expenditure under the Charitable Lotteries Scheme must be curtailed and the amounts payable to successful applicants under the Scheme in 2011, like other expenditure programmes, must be carefully considered. The Deputy will appreciate, given that the Scheme has not yet been advertised, that decisions on the amount to be paid to successful applicants in 2011 have not yet been made. It is my intention to advertise this Scheme shortly.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 603: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if charitable lotteries fund support for an organisation (details supplied) will be restored to its previous level, prior to the 30% reduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23106/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I acknowledge the Deputies views in relation to the reduction of the allocation for the Charitable Lotteries Scheme.

Nevertheless, the present economic circumstances facing the country cannot be ignored. The position at present is that the total amount of expenditure on schemes part funded by the National Lottery, including the Scheme of Assistance for Charitable Lotteries, exceeds the amount available from the National Lottery Fund. Unfortunately, in light of the current position, the amount of expenditure under the Charitable Lotteries Scheme must be curtailed and the amounts payable to successful applicants under the Scheme in 2011, like other expenditure programmes, must be carefully considered. The Deputy will appreciate, given that the Scheme has not yet been advertised, that decisions on the amount to be paid to successful applicants in 2011 have not yet been made. It is my intention to advertise this Scheme shortly.