173 Mr. B. Ahern asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform the EU funding received by his Department in 1996; the funding which he expects to receive in 1997; and the relevant funds and budget lines under which such funding is received. [8022/97]

In 1996 my Department and the Employment Equality Agency, a body under the aegis of my Department, received a total of £185,215.90 and £124,351.43 respectively, from the European Commission.

My Department received £96,870.24 in respect of the seminar to launch the "EU Fourth Medium-Term Action Programme on Equal Opportunities for Men and Women (1996-2000) — Mechanisms for Mainstreaming" which took place on 7-8 October 1996 plus £4,227.60 in respect of a publicity campaign to launch the seminar. A further payment is due to be received from the European Commission in 1997 in connection with the seminar. However, I am not in a position, at present, to give a figure for this latter payment. My Department also received £84,118.06 in respect of the conference on Equality of Opportunity for People with Disabilities which was held in Cork on 18-19 November 1996. A further payment is due to be received in 1997 in connection with the conference. However, I am not in a position at present to give a figure for this latter payment as the outstanding accounts have yet to be finalised with the European Commission.