Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will open in 2013 Grant Round for the Emigrant Support Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13378/13]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The 2013 grant round opened on 16 January and closed on 20 February with applications for 358 projects received from 17 countries. The assessment process, which is carried out in conjunction with our missions abroad, is now underway. The focus of the 2013 grants will be on supporting key frontline welfare and advisory services and on projects aimed at supporting new arrivals. I am pleased that despite the difficult financial situation we face, the Government has maintained funding under the ESP at a level of €11,595,000 for 2013.