Táim an-bhuíoch don Aire Stáit as an cheist seo a thógáil ar an Athló. Tá a fhios ag an Aire Stáit go bhfuil ceisteanna ardaithe agam le fada anuas sna Tithe maidir le ceist na dteifeach agus mar sin de. Le déanaí, bhí airgead le fáil ó chuid de na cistí Eorpacha maidir le tacú le teifigh agus iad siúd atá ag lorg tearmainn anseo.
Some 250,000 people apply for asylum in the EU each year but the number of applicants is not equally distributed among EU countries. Some countries face larger strains on their reception capacities and asylum systems due to the disproportionately large influxes of asylum seekers into their territories. European solidarity with these EU countries is ensured through practical co-operation, harmonisation of legislation and the European Refugee Fund. The ERF had €630 million over the period from 2008 to 2013 which supported EU countries' efforts in receiving refugees and displaced persons and guaranteeing access to consistent, fair and effective asylum procedures. A new round of the ERF will be announced. The European Integration Fund supports immigrants who come into the State.
I have been a long-time critic of our direct provision system. That said, it is important we support refugees who come to our shores in any way we can. Under previous Administrations, we saw funding discontinued for groups such as the Galway Refugee Support Group, which meant support services were not in place for these very vulnerable people. The round of funding from the EIF and ERF closed recently.
There are a number of very prominent organisations which support these groups. I have been in contact with a number of them and I have been quite surprised that some of the more active ones have received negative answers from Pobal in regard to the applications they made for funding under the funds.
The reason I raise this is to clarify what criteria have been used by Pobal to determine which groups did or did not get funding under the EIF, or indicative funding under the EIF and the ERF. Which groups got funding and what levels of funding have been granted? I look forward to the Minister of State's reply and thank him again for staying.
