Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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159. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which he expects to be in a position to examine eligibility for grant aid through his Department for various community-based groups throughout County Kildare, including integration groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19287/18]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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In Budget 2018, my Department secured in excess of €220million giving us the foundation we need to drive both the rural and community agenda and to deliver initiatives that can foster growth right across the country. My Department delivers a variety of schemes that provide support for the sustainable development of communities in line with commitments in the Programme for Partnership Government and the Action Plan for Rural Development. These schemes and programmes include flagship programmes such as the LEADER and the Social Inclusion and Community Activation (SICAP) Programmes, the Community Services Programme, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, the CLÁR Programme, the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS), the Seniors Alert Scheme and the Communities Facilities Scheme. My Department is also responsible for the overall administration of the Dormant Accounts Fund. The legislation governing Dormant Accounts provides the framework for the disbursement of funds to measures targeted at socially, economically and educationally disadvantaged people and people with a disability. All schemes are open to applications from relevant parties who meet the specific eligibility criteria during the application timeframes set for each scheme or programme. My Department will continue to work with key stakeholders including local authorities, community and voluntary groups, and dedicated agencies to deliver and review these schemes and programmes including the eligibility criteria to ensure that maximum use is obtained from the resources allocated and that value for money is delivered in respect of the 2018 schemes and programmes. Further information on schemes and programmes can be found on my Department's website www.drcd.gov.ie.