The Year of Our Island initiative has paid out nearly £75,000 to contribute towards events, Tynwald has been told.

However, less than 50% of applications and less than 20% of the money that was applied for was approved.

Jason Moorhouse MHK (Arbory, Castletown and Malew) asked Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas: ’As part of the Year of Our Island how much was provided in grants in each month; who benefited from these payments; and how much was paid to each recipient?’

In his written response, Mr Thomas said that individuals and groups were invited to apply for funding to support events which focused on quality of life, national pride and stronger partnerships.

Mr Thomas said: ’A total of £418,670.76 was applied for with £74,411 issued to date.’

That figure represents about 17.75% of requested funding.

He added that 92 applications for funding were made, with 45 being successful (about 49%).

Of the events supported, only Our Island, Our World, a concert held at Peel Centenary Centre received the maximum grant of £6,000.

Other large recipients were The Land Art Trail which received £5,000, and both The Great Manx Shin Dig and an event to celebrate the work of Archibald Knox were awarded £4,000.

Up to £6,000 was available for new events while a maximum of £3,000 could be awarded to existing projects.