asked the Minister for Education the amount of State support which will be granted to Aontas this year; the amount granted last year; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Grant Aid to Aontas.
249.
Aontas will receive £77,000 by way of grant-in-aid from my Department this year. In 1986, the amount allocated to that body was £94,500, which was also by way of a grant-in-aid. I appreciate that this represents a decrease in the provision being made for Aontas in 1987 over last year's provision. The budget required sacrifices to be spread across all groups in society, while protecting those most in need. Current economic circumstances are such that a reduction in public expenditure is essential if the Government is to restore our public finances to a sound footing.