asked the Minister for Social Welfare if the £500,000 which was allocated in the budget for voluntary bodies in the social services area will be restricted to capital projects only; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The grants in question will not necessarily be restricted to capital projects. As indicated in the Budget Statement the grants will be used towards the work of suitable voluntary bodies in the social services area. This may include activities other than capital projects.

Could the Minister indicate what bodies are being considered or when a decision will be made about the allocation of the money? When will the money be given out, because a lot of bodies who have applied for a portion of this money are patiently waiting and are holding up projects pending its receipt?

As the Deputy is aware, we received a large volume of requests which have more or less been processed now. Within coming weeks — I suppose I could be accused of using the word "weeks"— but I would hope an announcement would be made within the next couple of weeks on the disbursement of the funds. I want to assure the Deputy that there will be no delay in letting the bodies in question know the amounts they will receive, if any.

Have they been allocated direct from the Department or through the health boards?

As the Deputy is aware, some of it has been allocated already directly from the Department.