Vol. 548 No. 1
20 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he proposes to increase funding to the United Nations Association in order to encourage a more widespread appreciation of the role and work of the United Nations among the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3737/02]
The Government is supportive of the work of the Irish United Nations Association. The organisation receives an annual grant from my Department which has been substantially increased in recent years and currently stands at €19,046 – £15,000 – per annum. Ireland's membership of the UN Security Council has raised the profile of the UN among the Irish public and stimulated public interest in its activities. This represents a real opportunity for IUNA to increase its profile, develop its educational and information programmes and encourage and facilitate further debate on the role of the UN. I am satisfied the current grant represents an appropriate level of Government funding for existing IUNA activity.
