Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 April 2016
654. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the grants available to voluntary organisations for acquiring new equipment in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7241/16]
View answerMy Department’s Emigrant Support Programme (ESP) provides funding to not-for-profit organisations and projects to support Irish communities overseas and to facilitate the development of more strategic links between Ireland and the global Irish.
In 2016 an allocation of €11,595,000 is available for funding under this Programme, matching the funding which was available in 2015. Applications for ESP funding are made under 4 categories: Welfare; Heritage; Business Networks and Capital.
Any application for new equipment would typically be considered under the Capital category which allows for the construction, refurbishment or purchase of capital assets benefitting Irish communities. The purchase of new equipment will only be considered if it is deemed to be central to the ongoing work of the organisation and will benefit members of the Irish diaspora.
Capital funding allocated in each year depends on the overall availability of funds and the priority of the projects submitted. Additional documentation is required for capital funding and such funding is subject to additional conditions including the possible reimbursement of funding if an asset is sold within a designated timeframe.
The focus of the Emigrant Support Programme is on initiatives that:
- address the needs of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable Irish emigrants;
- enhance access for Irish emigrants and Irish community organisations to local statutory and voluntary services;
- foster a more vibrant sense of community and Irish identity amongst the Irish abroad; and,
- encourage closer links between Irish communities abroad and Ireland, to the benefit of both.
My Department’s Reconciliation Fund also gives grants to civil society organisations to support reconciliation and to create better understanding between people and traditions on the island of Ireland and between Ireland and Britain, however it does not generally give grants for capital costs or equipment.
