230 Mr. Hilliard asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment what finance, if any, is available through his Department to assist the Irish emigrant centres in Britain in each of the years 1995 and 1996; and whether the British Government provides any subsidy to these centres. [5508/96]

232 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the amount of funding for pre-emigration advice and counselling groups in this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5654/96]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 230 and 232 together.

My Department allocated an amount of £500,000 in 1995 and proposes a similar allocation for 1996 for the assistance of Irish emigrant welfare organisations in Britain. The distribution of this assistance is made by me based upon the recommendations of the DÍON Committee — the advisory committee on the welfare of Irish emigrants in Britain. These allocations provide financial assistance to organisations to employ professional workers to assist with the welfare problems of such emigrants.

As far as I am aware, the British Government does not directly fund Irish emigrant welfare organisations in Britain. However, financial assistance is available in certain circumstances from the local borough councils and health authorities there.