Bernard Allen
Ceist:364 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, due to his Department's cutbacks, there was a reduction in the moneys made available for the Community Games through the RIRA. [10646/03]
Written Answers. - Departmental Expenditure.
I announced, following a recent meeting with representatives of the Community Games that my Department would make avail able a subvention of €150,000 through the reception and integration agency, to the National Community Games at Mosney, County Meath over three weekends this summer. While this is a small reduction in the amount made available to the games last year, it is nevertheless a significant contribution and was recognised as such at the recent meeting I had with the representatives. I have also discussed alternative funding arrangements with them which I am hopeful will leave the overall support given to the games on a comparable basis with last year.
In making this subvention available, recognition has been given by me to the fact that the Community Games is a unique national organisation which provides a wonderful opportunity every year for children to participate in sports and pageantry on the same site as the State's largest accommodation centre for asylum seekers. As such and given its national reach in community involvement it is fully deserving of this continued Government support.