Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Question 315: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans for the community alert scheme in 2012; if his attention has been drawn to the impact that the 25% cut in funding to Muintir na Tíre will have on this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39743/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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In the context of the fiscal difficulties being experienced in the economy and in keeping with the budgetary cutbacks implemented by the previous Government to enable the State to comply with its obligations pursuant to the European Commission/ECB/IMF agreement concluded in 2010 and the reduced funding available this year as a consequence, it is regrettably necessary to reduce the level of support which my Department is in a position to provide to Community Alert in 2011.

Funding totalling €137,000 has been provided to Community Alert in 2011 to date, and further funding of €23,000 is being provided, bringing the total for the year to €160,000. This reduction in funding, of 11%, is due to the financial legacy which this Government has inherited. The work of Community Alert continues to be highly valued. No final decision has been taken as to the precise level of funding which can be provided to the organisation in 2012.