This year, as part of the Government's investment in family and community initiatives, we have provided some 6.9m to these schemes. These schemes have proved to be very successful in previous years and the funding provided this year will ensure an increased level of support for the hundreds of voluntary groups who work tirelessly for the benefit of both families and communities. Marriage, Child, and Bereavement Counselling Grants Under this scheme, grants are available to voluntary organisations providing marriage counselling services, marriage preparation courses, child counselling services in relation to parental separation and bereavement counselling services. 4.7m has been allocated this year in support of groups providing these services nationwide. Under this scheme, grants are available to a range of locally based organisations and groups involved in programmes of self-help and personal development, community education and training initiatives.
Grants are also available towards the cost of equipment, premises and other once-off items.
Some 2.2m has been allocated to this scheme for 2001. Minister Ahern added that his Department would be advertising the availability of grants this week. The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 23 March, 2001.