Minister of State John Curran TD announces funding of €1.85million Society of Saint Vincent de Paul

John Curran T.D., Minister of State (with special responsibility for Community Affairs and the National Drugs Strategy) at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, today announced funding of €1.85million for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul for 2009. This represents an increase of €500,000 on the Department’s allocation of €1.35million to the Society this year.

The funding is granted in respect of activities for the alleviation of poverty undertaken by the Society during 2009 and is channelled to provide support and assistance to those most in need. In particular, the Society provided - and continues to provide - support to those individuals and especially older people who required urgent and immediate assistance as a result of the recent flooding throughout the country. This funding is disbursed by the Society so that a geographic spread of supports is achieved and beneficiaries are representative of all sectors of the community.

Announcing the funding, Minister Curran said:

"The Government is keenly aware of the affects of any economic downturn on the poorest in our community and is appreciative of the good work of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, particularly at this time of year. I am delighted, therefore to be able to announce this substantial funding to the Society for 2009. It demonstrates the Government's on-going commitment to targeting resources to areas of greatest need and reflects on the recent work of the Society during the flooding. We will continue to support those in our communities who are less well off and work with them, on this occasion, through the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, to bring some hope and support to those most in need."