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Minister for the Diaspora, Ciarán Cannon TD responds to suggestions that funding for Ireland’s diaspora has been cut in Budget 2018.

Speaking yesterday in Galway Minister of State Cannon said:

“In a press release and in statements to the Seanad there has been an assertion that the 2018 funding for the diaspora has been cut. This is not the case.

It is important that the correct position is highlighted. I am pleased to confirm that the Department’s overall current expenditure budget for “Programme A: Our People” has actually increased by €2.2m, from €69.6m in 2017 to €71.8m in 2018.

The Government remains fully committed to supporting Irish communities abroad. It is important for our communities abroad to know this.

Not only has the Government not cut funding for our diaspora this year, but we are finding new ways of funding supports for groups such as returning emigrants. For example, the application process is currently open for a new programme called ‘Back for Business’, a mentoring programme which will assist returning emigrants to set up new businesses. I would encourage people to apply at www.backforbusiness.com

Initiatives like these, backed up by the Government’s strong fiscal commitment will ensure that we are able to support more Irish people than ever, no matter where they are in the world. There is no truth in any suggestion or perception that the Government is cutting funding to the Irish abroad.”

Note to Editors

The capital expenditure budget for the overall Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade “Programme A: Our People” has decreased by €3.9m as two capital projects were funded in 2017 and this funding is not required in 2018. Capital expenditure is allocated on a project basis. These two projects were unrelated to the Emigrant Support Programme.

Programme A: To serve our people at home and abroad and promote reconciliation and co-operation (“Our People”)
Work under this programme includes the effective delivery of passport and consular services for our citizens; supporting our emigrants and deepening engagement with our diaspora; sustaining peace and enhancing reconciliation and political progress in Northern Ireland; increasing North South and British-Irish cooperation; and promoting our culture, arts and creative industries through the Embassy network.