Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 5 Mar 1996

Vol. 462 No. 5

Written Answers. - Irish Emigrants' Organisations.

Michael P. Kitt

Ceist:

71 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of funding currently distributed to assist Irish emigrants' organisations; the proposals, if any, he has to increase that assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5136/96]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

Provision has been made in the Vote for Foreign Affairs for 1996 for grants amounting to £180,000 to groups abroad, other than those in Britain, which provide advice and counselling services to Irish immigrants. A sum of £150,000 — $241,500 — was allocated in grants to groups in the United States last year and a similar amount will be allocated to US groups this year.

The position of groups in Australia, which have not previously received any support, is being considered at present and the balance of around £30,000 in the total amount provided for in the Estimates is intended to support the work of such groups. Grants to voluntary organisations in Britain are provided for separately in the Enterprise and Employment Vote.