Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 102: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing work of the United Nations Association of Ireland and the fact that it has implemented efficiencies in terms of its budget already in 2009 and that the ending of its budget, as suggested by the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes report, would make it impossible for it to carry out its work in promoting the role and work of the United Nations and that this would damage Ireland's reputation internationally, in view of the support Ireland received in getting the United Nations chair recently, and at a time when the United Nations is becoming more vital in people's lives and when soldiers are serving abroad under the UN flag; his views on this matter; if he will intercede with the Department of Finance to bring to its attention the work of the United Nations Association of Ireland. [41727/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I refer the Deputy to the answer given to PQ 40584 on 10 November 2009, as outlined below. The Irish United Nations Association (IUNA) is a non-governmental organisation based in Dublin whose objectives are to promote the aims and activities of the United Nations and its specialised agencies in Ireland. IUNA has received funding from the Department of Foreign Affairs since 1972. In addition to this funding, my Department has also provided support to IUNA in terms of advice on strategy and internal governance procedures. In 2007-08, my Department, in cooperation with IUNA, conducted two extensive reports on the association which produced a series of recommendations identifying reforms geared to better enabling IUNA to fulfil its mandate. Consultations are still ongoing with IUNA on how to ensure appropriate follow-up to these two reports.

The proposal to cease funding of IUNA is one of a number of recommendations made in the McCarthy Report in relation to expenditure by this Department and which is currently being examined by the Government in the context of preparations for the 2010 Budget. In the meantime, I have recently written to IUNA outlining proposals to address their immediate financial situation, in line with our existing commitment to support their activities.