Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 13 Nov 1991

Vol. 412 No. 6

Written Answers. - Development Education Support Centre.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

89 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether the Development Education Support Centre in Drumcondra, Dublin 9 is doing vital work; whether he has any proposal to expand the scope of that work; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Collins)

The Development Education Support Centre was established in 1986 to provide support in the form of professional expertise to a range of organisations involved in the implementation of development education activities in Ireland. It was also intended that it should act as a stimulus to encourage other groups to become interested in development education activities.

The Development Education Support Centre is financed from the bilateral aid fund. A review was conducted by my Department in 1988 of development education activities supported by this fund and the report's findings included a positive assessment of the work of the centre. On the basis of this review, it was decided to continue financial support for the centre.

A further such review of development education activities is being carried out this month. Decisions on future support for these activities, including the Development Education Support Centre, will be made when the review is completed.