Gay Mitchell
Ceist:136 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if DÍON funding which has been increased recently will be maintained at the increased level. [5711/99]
Written Answers. - DION Funding.
Gay Mitchell
Ceist:137 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will examine the way in which DÍON grant aid is paid; if she will take account of the effects of the fluctuation in exchange rates on grants and costings by agencies in the United Kingdom which apply for grants in sterling but are in punts; if a sterling account could be opened or grants sanctioned in sterling equivalents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5712/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 136 and 137 together.
The budget package for 1999 announced by the Minister for Finance in the Dáil on 2 December 1998 made provision for an increase in the DÍON allocation for Irish community welfare organis ations in Britain to £750,000, representing an increase of £125,000 in the amount previously included in the 1999 Estimates for this purpose. The increase in the size of the grant is for the purpose of improving services for older Irish emigrants and travellers in Britain.
While no absolute guarantee can be given in any funding area I am committed to ensuring that the DÍON allocation is maintained at the increased level in 2000 and beyond.
The recent rates of exchange between sterling and the punt have caused difficulties for the DÍON grant recipients as they receive their grant payments in punts. While it would be possible for my Department to make grant payments in sterling, the amounts involved would continue to have to be calculated at the appropriate punt equivalent, in accordance with the overall amount voted by the Oireachtas. There is no alternative to this procedure.