Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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Question 358: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, as a matter of urgency, a financial contribution will be made to the Hammersmith and Fulham Irish Centre, London (details supplied), to pay the rent and prevent its closure due to lack of funds. [22195/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Hammersmith and Fulham Irish Centre provides our community in the west of London with a vibrant focal point through its cultural activities. A second Irish organisation, the Irish Charitable Trust, has offices in the same building as the centre, and provides invaluable assistance to Irish people who may find themselves in vulnerable circumstances and at risk of social exclusion.

The building in which both organisations have their offices is owned by the local council. The Irish Charitable Trust is in discussion with the local council concerning the rent level of the offices it occupies, and I believe the Deputy's question refers to this issue. While we have not at this time been approached on the rent issue, I have asked officials at the embassy in London to remain in close contact with the trust to ensure that we are fully aware of developments with a view to our being helpful in every way possible. The trust has, however, made an application for support for salaries under the current round of Díon grant applications and this application will be considered sympathetically.

Last year, Díon funding to the Irish Charitable Trust in Hammersmith amounted to €124,000. While the bulk of this figure went towards staffing costs, a special grant of €40,000 was provided by way of additional support to the trust in meeting its overall costs. The vice-chair of the Federation of Irish Societies, an organisation which is also strongly supported by Díon funding, has been appointed to the board of the trust with a view to strengthening its management team and enhancing its capacity to negotiate effectively with the local authorities.