merrion street

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore has announced the award of grants of over £6.3million (€6.98million) to 116 organisations in Britain under the Emigrant Support Programme. 

The Tánaiste is visiting London to undertake a series of engagements with Irish community groups. Speaking today, the Tánaiste stated:

These grants demonstrate the Government’s ongoing commitment to supporting the work of Irish organisations abroad, particularly those providing frontline services to the elderly and socially disadvantaged. The high quality of programmes delivered by these organisations makes a significant difference to the lives of Irish people in Britain.  The focus of our funding in Britain remains on assisting the most vulnerable of our Diaspora.  I am delighted that, given the many conflicting demands currently on the public purse, I was able to ensure that funding for frontline organisations was maintained close to 2010 levels.

Since the establishment of the Emigrant Support Programme in 2004, over €65million has been allocated in support of Irish communities in Britain.  Of the total amount announced by the Tánaiste, £5.2 million (€5.77m) will go to organisations providing welfare and information services, particularly to the elderly. Of the 116 organisations being funded, the largest recipients are the London Irish Centre (£502,353) and the Federation of Irish Societies (£529,601). Eighty seven organisations have received grants of under £60,000.