Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 283: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being experienced by the Irish centre in Camden Town, London, in so far as requirements to provide lift facilities for wheelchair access and for elderly persons; his views on providing some assistance for same; his further views on the eligibility under the aegis of his Department in order that this might be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13240/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Government deeply values the extensive range of services that the London Irish Centre in Camden has offered to the Irish community in London for more than 50 years. In recognition of the centre's vital role within the Irish community, I have been happy to approve significant funding to it from my Department's DÍON fund. The Deputy raises the matter of capital funding for the London Irish Centre. In November 2004 I was pleased to extend the eligibility for DÍON funding to include capital projects. This was a positive response to the interest within the Irish community in Britain for support towards capital projects, and was a development made possible by the substantial increase in funding that had been secured for emigrant services.

I, too, am convinced of the need to install a lift in the London Irish Centre. It is for this specific purpose that I included a grant to the centre of €100,000 in the first batch of capital grants I approved in November 2004. I am advised that the structural work to install the lift will begin shortly. As the centre is located in an old building in a congested part of London, the planning, survey and structural reports involved in this project have taken a considerable period of time. Although the Government is the principal donor for this project, I am pleased to note that the centre has also secured other funding from a private charity and the local statutory authority. The trustees expect that the lift will be installed before the end of this year.

The London Irish Centre in Camden also received significant funding last year when I approved a grant to it of €399,930. This grant supports nine posts at the centre and includes a contribution towards the refurbishment of the day centre where the seniors' luncheon club and other activities take place.