Written answers

Tuesday, 23 September 2014

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Emigrant Support Services

Photo of Brendan SmithBrendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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421. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the funding allocated to date under this year's emigrant support programme; if funding is being provided to support emigrants in countries such as Australia to which large numbers of Irish people have emigrated in recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35240/14]

Photo of Charles FlanaganCharles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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The Emigrant Support Programme (ESP) provides funding to not-for-profit organisations and projects to support Irish communities overseas and to encourage closer links between these communities and Ireland. The primary emphasis of Emigrant Support Programme funding is on supporting culturally sensitive frontline welfare services targeting the most vulnerable members of our overseas communities. These services have made a substantive difference to the lives of Irish communities overseas, reducing homelessness, tacking social isolation, and enabling Irish emigrants to access the local statutory entitlements. The Programme has evolved in light of recent emigration to respond to the needs of the newer profile of Irish emigrants, including young families, in countries such as Australia and Canada. Emigrant Support Programme funding is increasingly directed to Irish welfare centres in those countries which play an important role in supporting Irish emigrants, including new arrivals, who experience particular challenges. Over €2.4million of funding was allocated to organisations in Australia under the Programme between 2003 and 2013. This network of Irish community support organisations offers a range of responses including information provision, outreach and crisis assistance. Organisations supported in Australia include the Irish Australian Welfare Bureau and Resource Centre New South Wales, Claddagh Association Perth and the Irish Australian Support Association of Queensland.

Our Embassies and Consulates continue to ensure widespread awareness of the Programme and have actively encouraged applications for new projects from regions that support new arrivals. To date in 2014 expenditure of over €9,370,000 has been approved. A number of grant applications are currently being processed and I would be happy to provide the Deputy with a complete list of 2014 grants following the end of the financial year.

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