Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 343: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has responded to the request of Irish Aid to assist in the retention of the Comhlámh office in Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42469/06]

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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There has been no such request to me by Irish Aid, which is a Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs. Neither would it be appropriate for Irish Aid to approach Comhlámh in the matter, nor has it done so. The issue of how Comhlámh wishes to organise its activities and all related administrative decisions, including the closure of the Cork office, is solely a matter for Comhlámh.

Currently Comhlámh is the recipient of substantial multi-annual funding from Irish Aid. Comhlámh carries out, with Irish Aid support, very valuable development education and volunteer-related activities in the Cork region, as it does throughout Ireland. I am assured that these activities will not be affected by the closure of the Cork office of Comhlámh.