Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Irish Commission for Prisoners Overseas.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 November 2004

Tuesday, 9 November 2004

Ceisteanna (164, 165)

Joe Higgins

Ceist:

219 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether the Irish Commission for Prisoners Overseas should be given more resources to enable it to carry out its work in Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28040/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Joe Higgins

Ceist:

221 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the question of adequate funding for the Irish Commission for Prisoners Overseas will be raised in the context of the task force on emigrants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28042/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 219 and 221 together.

As the Deputy is aware, my Department has been providing financial assistance to the Irish Commission for Prisoners Overseas for many years. The ICPO provide valuable support and assistance to Irish prisoners overseas and their families which complements the services provided by the consular section of my Department and our missions abroad.

Since 1997, an annual grant of €25,000 has been made to the ICPO here in Ireland and I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I am in a position to increase the amount this year to €30,000.

Assistance is also provided through the Díon fund to the ICPO office in London, which deals exclusively with Irish prisoners in Britain. Earlier this year, the ICPO in London received an initial grant of €110,000 from my Department. As a result of the additional funding for services to the Irish abroad this year which my predecessor announced last July, I understand that the Díon Committee, which advises me on welfare issues relating to the Irish community in Britain, has recommended that an additional grant be awarded this year.

As the funding for services to the Irish community in Britain is further increased in line with the recommendations of the task force on policy regarding emigrants, I can assure the Deputy that the valuable work done by the ICPO on behalf of Irish prisoners in Britain will be duly recognised.

Question No. 220 answered with QuestionNo. 217.
Question No. 221 answered with QuestionNo. 219.
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