Written answers

Tuesday, 19 April 2005

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Anti-Racism Measures

9:00 pm

Photo of   John Curran John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 416: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the funding being allocated by his Department for minority ethnic non-governmental organisations in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12044/05]

Photo of Michael McDowellMichael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

A national action plan against racism, NAPAR, was launched in January 2005, with the twin aims of combating racism and developing a more inclusive, intercultural society. To coincide with the launch of the plan funding was given, through a grant scheme, to enable organisations to raise awareness about racism and highlight cultural diversity in Ireland. A total of €250,000 has been allocated to 44 projects nationally. A full list of the grants provided is available on www.knowracism.ie.

The plan itself has a core budget of €1 million per annum for each year of its life, 2005-08. This money will be used to further the goals of the plan on a range of different issues and projects but it is too early to say which groups might benefit from these activities.

I can further inform the Deputy that the Reception and Integration Agency, RIA, of my Department also provides funding in this area. For example, a small grants scheme — from €500 to €6,000 — is operated by the RIA for voluntary local support groups who help asylum seekers living in their areas and the latest date for receipt of applications for the scheme is 31 May 2005. While the full profile of the applications is not yet available, it is likely that minority ethnic groups will be among the applicants. A total of €170,000 was allocated in 2004 for the small grants scheme and it is expected that funding will be of the same order for 2005.

In addition, the RIA is the responsible authority for the European Refugee Fund, ERF, in Ireland. A new phase of the fund covering the period 2005 to 2010 was agreed by the EU last December and it is expected that the 2005 funding for Ireland will be in the region of €1 million. A public call for funding proposals will be issued later this year. While this funding had traditionally been secured by the larger NGOs, the RIA is currently examining how the new fund can be used to build capacity within minority ethnic organisations.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.