asked the Taoiseach the number of applications which have been received from women's organisations for financial assistance; the total money requested; and when decisions will be made on the outstanding applications.

: 36 applications have been received to date for assistance from the funds allocated to the Office of the Minister of State with responsibility for women's affairs. The total allocation to this office for 1983 is £110,000. On the basis of the applications made, £75,000 was granted to the Council for the Status of Women, which represents 39 women's organisations and 10 voluntary organisations engaged in development and support activities for women were assisted to the sum of £14,300. Most of these organisations are involved in helping single parents. This brings the total funds assigned to date to £89,300.

The applications received have been made either directly to my Department or through the Council for the Status of Women. It is not possible to quantify exactly the total amount requested as this is not specified in all the requests. There is no doubt, however, that the applications vastly exceed the resources available.

I should like to assure the Deputy that the remaining limited funds will be allocated by my Department before the end of the year to other developmental and support activities for women.

: When will the remaining £20,000 be allocated? Is it the intention to allocate additional funds to some of those organisations who have already received funds?

: The amount remaining is very small, about £20,000, and this will be allocated between now and the end of the year to various organisations or programmes that are related to women's issues.

: What criteria is used in deciding on the allocations?

: Basically the money is allocated to groups who have been established for a while and who are doing relevant and important work in the community in the support and developmental area but who are not funded through any other Department.

: What is the reason for the change in policy whereby the Minister's Department are dealing direct with the organisations? Is there any particular reason for the move away from the Council for the Status of Women? There have been suggestions that the reasons are political.

: That is a separate question.

: It is very much a separate question.

: With respect, I think it is related. Why not allocate these funds through the Council for the Status of Women as has been the case up to now.

: I shall be pleased to answer that separate question if the Deputy tables it.

: What was the total number of applications for assistance received in the Department and how many of these have not been decided yet?

: Of the 37 applications received, 11 have been funded.

: When does the Minister expect to decide on the other applications?

: I have answered that. The decisions will be made between now and the end of the year and will depend on basic criteria and on other priorities.