Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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271. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development his plans to release funding to an organisation (details supplied) in 2019 and 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3649/19]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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The Scheme to Support National Organisations in the Community and Voluntary Sector (SSNO) is a key element of my Department's support for the role of the sector in contributing to the development of strong and vibrant civil society and in improving outcomes for those most disadvantaged.

The scheme provides multi-annual funding towards core costs of national organisations in the sector, with a focus on organisations that provide supports to those who are disadvantaged.  The current three-year scheme concludes on 30 June 2019 and the next iteration of the scheme will commence on 1 July 2019.  A total of €16.7m has been allocated under the current scheme to 71 different organisations.

As with the current scheme, national organisations such as the one in question can apply to be considered for funding, which will be allocated through a competitive process.  This competition was advertised on 12 December 2018 and the closing date for receipt of applications is 31 January. An appraisal of the applications will be conducted by Pobal on behalf of my Department and final recommendations will be sent to my Department for approval.  Applicants will be informed in due course of their success or otherwise in qualifying for funding.     

The organisation in question was allocated €269,700 over the 36 month period of the current SSNO scheme.