ISLINGTON IRISH CENTRE

Motion Text

That this House deplores proposals by Islington Council's Liberal Democrat administration to withdraw totally its funding of Islington Irish Centre; notes that the borough's Irish community, the second largest in London, has made a massive contribution to all aspects of life in Islington and elsewhere over many decades; notes also that successive studies have shown the borough's Irish population suffers disproportionate levels of deprivation; commends Islington Irish Centre for providing a wide range of welfare, social, cultural and educational services, particularly to older and vulnerable members of the community, at a fraction of what these services would otherwise cost Islington Council; believes that the Centre's closure would be a major blow to older Irish people who rely heavily upon its services; acknowledges that this was the generation which, among many contributions, helped rebuild London after wartime devastation and staffed the newly created National Health Service, and that many endured discrimination and prejudice upon their arrival in London, strongly believes they should not have to do so at the end of their lives; believes that Islington Irish Centre's ú83,000 annual grant represents excellent value for money; and therefore joins the Irish Ambassador to the United Kingdon and the Federation of Irish Societies in calling upon Islington Council to restore immediately its funding of Islington Irish Centre.