[Sinn Fein]

13th April 1999

Scottish grants to Drumcree bands

Statement from Sinn Fein Assembly member for Upper Bann Dr. Dara O'Hagan slamming the West Lothian Council for funding Loyalist flute bands to travel from Scotland to help lay siege to the Garvaghy Road community.

Dr O'Hagan said:

``The West Lothian Council has given a number of Loyalist Bands substantial funding. One of these the Broxburn Flute Band paraded at Drumcree on the night the Quinn Brothers were killed. They had just received £350 from West Lothian Council for `operating expenses'.

``This grant was on top of over £2000 given to various loyalist groupings for a variety of events including `summer camps' and `purchase of equipment'. Also each councillor is entitled to issue grants personally of up to £2000. It is not known how much of these grants have been given to loyalist bands.

``It is disgraceful that public money is being used in this way. Sending flute bands to Drumcree is not about promoting a cultural identity. It is about laying siege to a small Catholic community in Portadown. the West Lothian Council or indeed any other Scottish Council should not be granting public money to assist in maintaining the ongoing siege.''

NOTE: ENCLOSED ARE DETAILS OF THE GRANTS ISSUED BY THE WEST LOTHIAN COUNCIL IN 1997/98 AND SO FAR IN 1998/99.

1997/98

Loyal Orange Order
Band and Transportation Costs £100

Junior Loyal Orange Lodge No45
Summer Holiday Camp £200

Fauldhouse Juvenille OL No45
Summer Camp £200

Broxburn Rising Star JLOL 33
Purchase of Books £35

Linlithgow Voluteer Flute Band
Purchase of Uniforms £200

Blackridge Thistle Flute Band
Purchase of Equipment £250

Blue and Royals Mem Flute Band
Purchase of Equipment £250

Stoneyburn and Bents Flute Band
Operating Expenses £250

Broxburn Flute Band
Operating Expenses £350

Total 1997/98 £1,835

1998/99

Loyal Orange Lodge
Event Grant £100

Whitburn Flute Band
Operating Expenses/ Equipment £500

Loyal Orange Lodge
Band Transportation £100

Total 1998/99 £700

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