Vol. 509 No. 1
134 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of applicants refused for cultural grant aid due to the fact the allocation has been spent; the number of members of the cultural relations committee who were in receipt of grant aid; the amount in this regard; if those applicants who have been refused and who otherwise qualify will be grant aided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19560/99]
In the current year the allocation to the Department of Foreign Affairs for cultural relations was £500,000. Since, through a considerable increase in the number of applications, this allocation has now been totally committed, as from 17 September applicants for assistance for events taking place in 1999 have been informed that their applications cannot be considered by the committee for recommendation on grant aid. They may of course apply for funding for events in future years.
Given that applications are still being received by the committee in respect of 1999 events, it is not possible to state the exact number which cannot be considered for lack of funding. No member of the committee was in receipt of grant aid in respect of cultural events in 1999.
