Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 134: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if assistance will be given to the homeless Irish in England; and the supports given to Irish emigrant groups in England. [8529/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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In pursuit of the Government's strong commitment to the Irish abroad, some €12 million is available for emigrant services in 2006. This figure represents an increase of 45% on 2005. The needs of the Irish community in Britain is a particular priority for the Government. In 2005, more than 100 groups in Britain received grants from my Department amounting to €7.06 million. These included a range of organisations which provide support and services to homeless people, either exclusively or as part of their wider remit. The groups in question are Acton Homeless Concern; Aisling Return to Ireland; Arlington House; Broadway, London; Cara; Cricklewood Homeless Concern; Irish Centre Housing, London; Fireside Day Centre, Birmingham; St. Theresa's House, Peterborough; The Passage; The Simon Community; St. Mungo's; and Connection at St. Martin's.

In addition, many of the other centres funded by my Department in Britain, including Brent Irish Advisory Service, Irish Community Care Merseyside and Community Welfare Hammersmith, offer advice to their clients on housing issues as part of the wider information they provide on welfare entitlements.