Vol. 572 No. 4
142 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will raise the proposed sale of the Cricklewood Homeless Concern centre, Cricklewood in London, England; and if he will investigate the role of the church authorities on this important service for homeless Irish people abroad. [23590/03]
The Cricklewood Homeless Concern, CHC, is a voluntary organisation, which was set up in 1983 and offers day care and other care opportunities to homeless people and people in insecure housing in the North London borough of Brent and surrounding boroughs. In 2002, 433 out of a total 705, about 60%, of the organisation's predominately male clients were Irish. In 1983 the organisation was offered the use of 60 Ashford Road, through the good offices of the local parish. The building in question is the property of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Westminster and the CHC has had rent-free use of the property for almost 20 years. It is the location of the day care centre.
I understand that following a decision by the diocese to sell the building, the CHC was offered first refusal and negotiated a purchase price with the diocese. The estimated total cost of the project is £1,818,532, of which CHC has to date raised £251,000. I am informed that its business plan for the period 2002 to 2007 expresses confidence that sources of funding for the balance of the project will be identified through a fundraising campaign. In the circumstances, it would not appear to be either necessary or appropriate for me to intervene in this matter.
