Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 May 2013
511. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason funding has been reduced to an organisation (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25085/13]
View answerSince 2008, my Department has given grants to a number of local authorities and national organisations to promote the integration of migrants. I understand that Meath County Council chose to pass on their grant to the body referred to in the details supplied where I understand that it went towards staff costs and overheads relating to migrant integration. This funding was always for a year at a time with no commitment to future payments and, with the reduction in Departmental allocations including for migrant integration, grants to local authorities have been discontinued with a few exceptions. Because the amount in the relevant subhead of my Department's Vote in 2012 was otherwise committed, funding for Meath County Council could not be considered last year but an interim payment of €6,000 was made to the Council in December and further interim payments of €12,000 have been made this year. A decision on a further grant will be taken shortly.
