Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
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227. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on the Irish Deaf Society's appeal of the decision to cut their funding as part of his Department's review of public funding for national organisations in the health and disability sector; when he expects a decision to be reached in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43608/14]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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The funding scheme to support national organisations in the community and voluntary sector aims to provide multi-annual funding to national organisations towards core costs associated with the provision of services. Applications for a new round of funding, which commenced on 1 July 2014, were subject to an appraisal process. My predecessor was anxious to make funding available to as many organisations as possible within the prevailing resource constraints and approved 55 applications for funding for the two-year period from 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2016, out of 157 applications.

Following the application and appraisal process, all applicants, including successful applicants were provided with an opportunity to discuss and receive feedback on the outcome of the appraisal process and the Departmental decision on their application to Pobal. Applicants were also provided with information and guidance in respect of how to submit an appeal should they feel the final decision was unreasonable or proper procedures were not followed.

Following the appeals process, Pobal recently submitted an appeals report to me. I am currently considering the contents of this report, and I intend to provide clarification as soon as possible.