£32k salary contribution is not for gay rights: Poots

The Minister made the comment in response to a query by Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) MLA Jim Allister who asked Mr Poots how much of the departmental funding allocated to the Rainbow Project is being spent on lobbying for an expansion of gay rights.

Mr Allister also asked the Minister for his assessment of the appropriateness of the expenditure on the Rainbow Project which works to improve the physical, mental and emotional health of gay, bisexual and non-heterosexual men in Northern Ireland and which has offices in both Londonderry and Belfast.

Mr Poots stated: “None of the funding allocated by my Department towards the central administrative costs of the Rainbow Project is spent on lobbying for an expansion of gay rights.

“Funding of £32,443 in 2011/12 has been made available, which the Rainbow Project uses as a contribution towards salary costs of the Director’s post.

“The funding is awarded for the purpose of achieving objectives in support of Departmental policy in relation to sexual health promotion and HIV prevention.

“My Department monitors the funding against an agreed schedule of activities. Standard terms and conditions applicable to all grants awarded by my Department also apply.”