Craig criticises DSD over community funding

LAGAN Valley MLA Jonathan Craig has criticised the Department of Social Development over its allocation of funding to Cultural groups.

He said he discovered a 'severe imbalance' in funding in reply to an assembly question which revealed Republican/Irish Cultural groups received over one hundred percent more than Unionist/Orange Cultural groups.

Mr Craig said: "In the financial year 2009/10 Irish cultural groups received a total of 435,559 where Unionist groups received a total of 295,919. Irish groups in 2010/11 received 203,270 compared to Unionist groups who received a total of 31,056. Many of the same Irish cultural groups received more funding in 2010/11 than the year previously despite the fact that other groups received nothing."

Mr Craig said he was 'appalled' and called for an inquiry

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