Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:22 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Labour if he will give an assurance that a grant will be made available by the DÍON Committee to the Catholic Children's Society, Winchester, Hampshire, England.
Written Answers - Emigrant Services.
Grants from funds allocated to my Department for the provision of assistance to voluntary organisations in Britain catering for the welfare needs of Irish emigrants are paid on the recommendation of DÍON.
Each year DÍON invites organisations catering for the welfare needs of Irish emigrants to submit applications for funding. DÍON considers applications having regard to its own terms of reference and current priorities which are; 1. Front-line information and advice services for emigrants; 2. Outreach services for unemployed youths, women and children in temporary accommodation, and travellers; 3, Special projects to assist the unemployed to find secure employment; and 4. Day-care centres for the elderly.
I have recently received DÍON's initial recommendations for funding a number of projects this year. It would not be appropriate for me, at this stage, to indicate what the position is in respect of any particular application. I expect to make an announcement before the end of the month.
Austin Currie
Ceist:24 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Labour when the allocation of grants will be made by the DÍON Committee to immigrant advice services in Great Britain.
I understand that DÍON will be forwarding to me shortly their full list of recommendations for the payment of grants to non-statutory bodies providing welfare services for Irish emigrants in Great Britain.
On that basis I should be able to announce payment of the grants before the end of this month.