Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 54: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the funding being made available by his Department to assist voluntary groups and non governmental organisations in combating racism. [4318/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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My Department is responsible for co-ordinating the implementation of the National Action Plan Against Racism (NPAR). The plan, which provides strategic direction to combat racism and to develop a more inclusive, intercultural society in Ireland, was launched in 2005 and will run until the end of 2008. It is based on five pillars: protection, inclusion, provision, recognition and participation. The Strategic Monitoring Group, which includes representatives from Government bodies, the social partners and broader civil society, including representatives of minority communities, oversees its implementation. The NPAR core budget, of €1 million per annum, is used primarily to make strategic interventions in the implementation of the NPAR, to pursue specific research or consultancy projects in particular sectors and to undertake public awareness/ information initiatives and grant schemes.

In January 2005, a total of €250,000 was allocated to 44 projects nationally as part of a grant scheme which was organized to coincide with the launch of the NPAR. The scheme helped organisations to raise awareness about racism and to highlight cultural diversity in Ireland.

In September 2005, the Strategic Monitoring Group allocated €275,000 to fund 45 projects from NGOs and community groups in the sports, recreation and arts areas.

In 2006, out of a total budget of €2 million (which included an allocation of €1million from the integration fund), funding in the order of €110,000 was allocated to voluntary groups and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to combat racism.

I would add that my Department in 2006 provided €5 million towards co-ordination of integration measures, which significantly contribute to combating racism. From that allocation, integration projects to the value of €3 million for both local partnerships and NGOs were approved late last year and are currently in the process of implementation.

In addition to funding voluntary groups and NGOs, my Department works with a broad range of organisations in the development of policies to ensure long-term implementation of the NPAR's goals.