Seán Kenny (Dublin North East, Labour)
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49. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when applications will be accepted under the emigrant support programme 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11686/14]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The Emigrant Support Programme (ESP) provides funding to non-profit organisations and projects to support Irish communities overseas and to facilitate the development of more strategic links between Ireland and the global Irish. Since the inception of the ESP in 2004, some €104 million has been distributed to Irish community organizations in Britain, the US, Australia, Canada and further afield. The 2014 funding round for the Emigrant Support Programme opened on 15 January 2014 and the closing date for receipt of applications was 19 February 2014. The funding round was publicised through the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and official social media accounts. It was also publicised by the network of Irish Embassies and Consulates, through their own communication channels, and through local newspapers and radio programmes, particularly in centres with significant high Irish populations such as Britain, Canada and Australia.

This year, 390 applications for funding have been received from organisations in 18 countries. These applications are currently being processed. The funding requested totals some €15.456m. The allocation for the Emigrant Support Programme for 2014 is €11,595,000. This matches the allocations for 2012 and 2013.