Minister for Social Development - Funding for Community Convention & Development Company

Mr J Spratt asked the Minister for Social Development if she will continue to provide funding for the Community Convention and Development Company.

(AQO 745/10)

Minister for Social Development: Funding for Community Convention and Development Company was awarded to support community development and build capacity specifically within disadvantaged Protestant communities. This work was commenced in 2005 under direct rule partly in response to problems arising from intra-community feuding. The target communities were often blighted by the lack of cohesion and low capacity often resulting from the domination of competing paramilitary organisations. Given the progress made through a variety of measures in building capacity and reducing paramilitary influences in these communities, I do not anticipate renewing funding beyond the current contract which is due to end on 31^st May 2010.