Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2015
413. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will confirm that he has approved a grant of €250,000 to a sports club (details supplied) in New York; the terms of this grant; if it is funded from current or capital expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6912/15]
View answer416. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if a legal charge will be required on a sports club (details supplied) in New York, to safeguard the taxpayers' grant aid of €250,000, as would be required for a similar grant award to a sports club here; and the way this might be registered and enforced, if required. [6915/15]
View answer417. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the verification and inspection process he has put in place to ensure the integrity of the grant award of €250,000 to a sports club (details supplied) in New York. [6916/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 413, 416 and 417 together.
On 12 January the Minister for the Diaspora, Jimmy Deenihan T.D., announced that the Government was providing funding of €250,000 to the GAA for Shannon Gaels GAA Club in New York to develop the underage playing field in Frank Golden Park, Queens.
This funding marked a contribution towards the capital costs associated with the redevelopment of the facilities at Shannon Gaels, one of the fastest growing GAA clubs in the United States which has 600 members, half of whom are children. Funding for the redevelopment has also been secured from New York City and GAA HQ.
The funding was provided from the Emigrant Support Programme of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which supports Irish communities overseas and facilitates the development of more strategic links between Ireland and the global Irish. This project achieves an important objective in engaging the next generation in strengthening their ties to Ireland.
This grant was provided on a once-off, 12 month basis. In line with existing procedures associated with grants for capital projects, additional conditions were attached to this grant, most notably restricting the disposal of assets funded for a number of years. In addition all grant recipients agree to provide both narrative and financial reports detailing how the grant has contributed to the achieving the key objectives of the Emigrant Support Programme.
As part of the Emigrant Support Programme, a planned programme of audits is in place to ensure the continued quality of the projects and programmes funded.
