Minister of State McHugh announces over £4.7 Million in ESP Funding to Irish Community in Britain

Minister of State McHugh announces over £4.7 Million in Emigrant Support Funding for Irish Community in Britain

 - Over £4.7 million in grants under the Department’s Emigrant Support Programme provided to 108 organisations in Britain;

- Demonstration of the Government’s strong commitment to supporting our emigrants, particularly the most vulnerable, and the wider Irish diaspora community across Britain

The Minister of State for the Diaspora and International Development, Mr Joe McHugh T.D., has today announced details of over £4.7million in funding for the Irish community in Britain. Grants have been provided to 108 organisations in support of a range of projects for which applications have been received through the Emigrant Support Programme (ESP) operated by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

“I am delighted and privileged to announce the Government’s contribution to the great work being done all across Britain in support of our emigrants and the wider Irish community. My colleagues in Government and I are committed to supporting our emigrants and these grants of over £4.7 million under the Department’s Emigrant Support Programme is a clear demonstration of this strong commitment. The organisations we support offer invaluable assistance to our emigrants, especially the most vulnerable, through advice and welfare programmes. This funding is also important for supporting a vibrant and active Irish community Britain, the value of which has only been heightened as we face into challenging and uncertain times.

I warmly welcome the decision in Budget 2017 to maintain the level of funding for emigrant support worldwide at 2016 levels. This is a recognition of the great work Irish community organisations do and the Government’s wish to support this important work to the benefit of our emigrants living and working in Britain.”

Minister of State McHugh went on to especially mention those who volunteer across Britain, saying:

“I have already benefited from meeting many of the incredible volunteers who work tirelessly to support Irish communities throughout Britain and have seen first-hand the enormous contribution they are making in a spirit of warmth and care for others, such as those I met in the London Irish centre who provide such great solidarity for the elderly in their community.

The range of activities carried out across Britain by organisations is vast. I am thinking also of the great work done by ICAP (Immigrant Counselling and Psychotherapy) which I have been familiar with for many years. They work directly with many vulnerable members of the Irish community providing an invaluable service. In Glasgow I met with Conradh Na Gaeilge to see first-hand their great work to protect and promote the Irish language. Is léir go bhfuil dualgais orainn uilig an teanga a choimhéad agus a spreagadh.

I am looking forward to meeting many more of you in the coming months. You are an inspiration to us all.”

The Minister also spoke about the upcoming second Global Irish Civic Forum in February 2017 and reiterated his invitation to those working on the range of Irish Diaspora issues to attend, noting that discussions on topics such as the evolving needs of our communities, the potential of new technologies to facilitate a vibrant and networked Irish diaspora and Ireland’s place in a challenging and changing world promise to make for an interesting and productive two days for all involved.

ENDS
Press Office
26 October 2016

Note for Editors:

Emigrant Support Programme: Since 1984, the Irish Government has given financial support to voluntary agencies providing advice and welfare services to Irish emigrants overseas. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade working through Ireland’s Embassy Network coordinates the provision of support to communities abroad and administers the programme.

The main focus for funding under the Emigrant Support Programme remains the frontline welfare service providers that support the elderly, and other vulnerable Irish emigrants. In more recent years the programme has also recognised the importance of strong and active Irish communities more generally, funding projects which foster a sense of community, promoting vibrant networks and a sense of Irishness among the Irish abroad. The Emigrant Support Programme funding year runs from 1 July – 30 June. Further details can be found on www.dfa.ie.

Approximately three-quarters of grants provided to Irish organisations in Britain are for amounts under £50,000.

Please see a list of organisations awarded 2016-17 funding: