Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 5 Mar 2003

Vol. 562 No. 5

Written Answers - DÍON Fund.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

182 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the decision to decrease funding under the DÍON Programme to welfare groups in the United Kingdom who assist Irish emigrants will be rescinded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4869/03]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

On 5 February responsibility for the DÍON fund was transferred to my Department from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. This was to comply with a recommendation of the task force on policy regarding emigrants which proposed that all Government funding for emigrant services should be brought together under the Vote for Foreign Affairs. It was not possible for me to seek additional funding for this year.

The DÍON fund for this year is €2.573 million. While this is 5% less in euro terms than the figure for 2002, the appreciation in the value of the euro since then means that the sterling value of the fund will be maintained in 2003.

The funding that can be provided for services to emigrants this year has had to take account of the overall budgetary situation facing the Government. My hope is that the report of the task force on policy regarding emigrants will provide a template for developing these services in the future.

Last October the Government established an interdepartmental working group to examine the recommendations of the task force with a view to submitting proposals to Government for future action. The report of the working group will be finalised shortly.

Question No. 183 answered with Question No. 120.

Question No. 184 answered with Question No. 123.

Question No. 185 answered with Question No. 142.