Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

243. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her attention has been drawn to an article in a newspaper (details supplied); if no public funds provided to an organisation by her Department were used to pay the award of €43,470 as outlined in the article; if an audit will be carried out in order to clarify the issue; if programmes at the organisation will continue to receive funding; if not, if a public tender process will be considered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19249/20]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department has not provided funding to the organisation referred to by the Deputy for the specific purposes of paying the award mentioned.

In the past, my Department has provided funding to the organisation to cover a portion of its operational costs.  The most recent funding provided in respect of these costs was for the period August 2018 to July 2019.

My Department has also provided funding to the organisation to fund an initiative to support the installation of carbon monoxide alarms in the homes of elderly, isolated and vulnerable people throughout rural Ireland.  Funding in respect of this initiative was provided on the basis of the vouched costs of the alarms and a small administration fee for the organisation concerned.

My Department has requested financial reports from the organisation in respect of the periods covered by the funding and is awaiting receipt of these reports.  My officials will consider whether any further action is necessary when these financial reports are received.