Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2023
134. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide a schedule of the grants, grant-aid, low-cost borrowing and funding that his Department can provide to an association (details supplied), heading under which the grants, grant-aid, low-cost borrowing and funding is provided; the maximum amount that can be accessed; and the dates on which the schemes operate. [32278/23]
View answerThe Department of Foreign Affairs has had a long-standing and very positive relationship with the GAA, recognising the central role which the organisation plays in Irish communities all over the world, both as a sporting organisation and as a very unique social and community network.
The Department supports the organisation’s overseas activities primarily through the Government’s Emigrant Support Programme (ESP), which facilitates Irish Government investment in global Irish communities and is administered by the Department. This support is provided via three distinct pillars:
(i) the GAA in Britain;
(ii) the GAA in the USA; and
(iii) the GAA in the rest of the world – Global Games Development Fund (GGDF)
The third pillar, the GGDF, is dedicated primarily to clubs and projects (more than one club) in Asia, Australasia, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and South America, with DFA and the GAA contributing matching funding. Initiated in 2012, the number of projects supported by the GGDF has grown considerably, from 14 in 2012 to 146 in 2023, reflecting the growth of the GAA worldwide.
The Emigrant Support Programme grant round opens in January each year, with a four week window for organisations to apply. The 2023/24 round is now closed to applications. There is no maximum amount of funding that can be accessed.
GAA Clubs on the island of Ireland and across these islands should also apply separately through the Department of Foreign Affairs for Reconciliation Fund funding for projects that align with the Reconciliation Fund Strategy. The Reconciliation Fund awards grants to organisations working to build better relations within and between traditions in Northern Ireland, between North and South, and between Ireland and Britain. The Fund operates on an annual basis and the next funding round will open in Spring 2024. Whilst there is no maximum amount of funding that can be accessed, the average grant awarded in the 2023 Reconciliation Fund annual funding round amounted to €21,981.
