Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 February 2021
97. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action taken by his Department with regard to the proposed sale of a property by a society (details supplied); if the society has been in receipt of State funding in the past ten years; if so, the details of same in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6241/21]
View answerI am aware that the premises of the American Irish Historical Society at 991 Fifth Avenue, New York have been put up for sale. This is a deeply disappointing development.
The American Irish Historical Society, a registered not-for-profit organisation, is a cherished symbol of the profound relationship that has grown between our two countries through the centuries. While the Society is more than its premises, the building on Fifth Avenue is an iconic emblem of Ireland in New York and a vital part of the infrastructure that underpins US-Ireland relations.
The Government has provided funding to the Society over the years, primarily through the Emigrant Support Programme, to support it activities. From 2008 to 2018, the AIHS has received $933,854 from the Emigrant Support Programme, contributing to salary, operational and programming costs, including for its library and archive.
A table setting out these payments since 2008 is attached.
I am concerned and disappointed about the proposed sale. I would urge the Board of the AIHS to reconsider this decision. The building's loss would be keenly felt by the community in New York and beyond. We stand ready to engage in finding a constructive solution that meets the needs of the community and other stakeholders. Our Consulate General in New York is following the situation closely and is in regular contact with the Society and the wider community.
Funding under the Emigrant Support Programme
|
Year |
Amount |
Purpose |
|
2008 |
$255,000 |
Salary costs for Director, Programming Manager and Archivist |
|
2009 |
$160,000 |
Events coordinator $30,000 Operating expenses $35,000 Other salary costs $95,000 |
|
2010 |
$160,000 |
AIHS Educational Outreach Initiative $47,500 AIHS organisational costs $112,500 |
|
2011 |
$110,000 |
Salaries $67,500 Operating expenses $42,500 |
|
2012 |
$85,000 |
Salaries $55,000 Utilities and Equipment $10,000 Library and Archive $20,000 |
|
2013 |
$75,000 |
Salaries $55,000 Utilities and Equipment $10,000 Library and Archive $10,000 |
|
2014 |
$65,000 |
Salaries $48,000 Utilities and Equipment $4,450 Library and Archive $12,550 |
|
2016 |
$13,854.16 |
Salary of Director of operations $13,854.16 |
|
2018 |
$10,0000 |
‘Success in the city’ program $10,000 |
|
TOTAL |
$933,854 |
