John Cummins (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue, which I’m answering on behalf of the Minister of State, Deputy Richmond. I am fully committed, as is the Department, to strengthening the bonds with all Irish communities overseas. Central to this work is the emigrant support programme, managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Since its inception in 2004, the programme has provided funding of over €250 million to 900 organisations in 51 countries. Supporting the most vulnerable and marginalised Irish emigrants across the world is at the heart of this programme. In 2025, almost €16,500,000 will be granted in support of strengthening ties with the diaspora and our communities overseas. Britain is our close neighbour and home to the largest Irish-born community outside Ireland.

The 2021 census documents just over 500,000 people born on the island of Ireland living in England and Wales, with around 200,000 of those born in Northern Ireland.

The Government has provided financial support to Irish community organisations in Britain since 1984. Last year, we allocated ESP funding of over €7.8 million to 112 organisations in Britain in respect of 202 projects. This represented just under half of the total ESP budget. We funded a range of projects from large welfare support in cities with traditionally large Irish communities such as London, Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham to smaller events and cultural and heritage projects in places such as Bristol, Nottingham and York.

Our engagement in Britain goes beyond financial support. Every year the embassy serves as a community hub, hosting events in collaboration with organisations which might not have the budget, space or networking connections to host alone. This includes supporting Irish artists but also hosting traditionally excluded and marginalised groups such as events for Pride and an annual St. Brigid’s Day event celebrating Irish women in Britain.

Applications for the 2025-26 emigrant support programme are now being assessed and details on the grants will be made available over the coming months. Full details of all ESP funding to date in Britain can be found on the www.ireland.iewebsite.

An important part of Ireland’s diaspora strategy is a commitment to heal the relationship with those who left Ireland in crisis and survivors of institutional abuse. Britain is home to the largest number of victims of institutional abuse, outside Ireland. It is estimated that 30% of all survivors live in Britain. The emigrant support programme provides funding to community organisations in Britain supporting survivors in Britain such as ICAP, the London Irish Centre, Coventry Irish Society and Fréa in the north of England. We fund eight full-time posts and two part-time posts to ensure dedicated support is provided to the survivor community. We are working with relevant UK Government departments to ensure access to compensation schemes does not negatively affect other welfare supports.

The Government is fully committed to delivering sustained investment in all our communities abroad, particularly in Britain. As we look to the future, we will ensure that we continue to prioritise projects that support a dynamic and diverse diaspora and address the needs of the most vulnerable.

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