95 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform the number and amount of grants approved by him for each of the past five years for marriage and child counselling in County Louth; and the comparative figure for the previous five year period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10692/97]

A scheme of grants to voluntary organisations providing marriage counselling services was instituted by my Department in 1994. Prior to 1994 there was no money at my Department's disposal that could be used for this purpose. In 1996 the scope of the scheme was extended to include voluntary organisations providing counselling to children whose parents have separated. Five counselling organisations in County Louth have benefited under the scheme each year since it was instituted, as follows: