asked the Minister for Labour if he will make funds available for the CARA information project, the Irish homeless project.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Written Answers. - CARA Information Project.
18.
Grants from funds available to my Department for assisting voluntary organisations in Britain which provide welfare services for Irish emigrants are paid on the advice of DION, the London-based committee which advises me on emigrant welfare matters generally. The allocation for grant purposes in my Department's Vote has been doubled from £250,000 in 1988 to £500,000 in 1989.
Earlier this year DION, through advertisements in the Irish community press in Britain, invited applications for funding from the 1989 allocation. Over 40 applications have been received to date, one of which is from CARA in respect of their information project about the accommodation needs of Irish people in London. I understand that the accommodation dimension of emigrant welfare has been emphasised in a number of the applications.
DION are at present examining all the applications in the context of their priorities — one of which is the provision of outreach services for unemployed young people and women and children in temporary accommodation. DION are looking at ways of helping voluntary and community groups develop information and training support services. They also intend to encourage, where appropriate, liaison between proposed projects with similar or related aims. CARA's application is being considered in that context.
I shall advise the Deputy in due course about the outcome of the CARA application.