Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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149. To ask the Taoiseach if he will provide an update on the €1 million fund announced in the budget for diaspora projects; the criteria for funding under the scheme; when the scheme will be open for applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1605/15]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Mr Jimmy Deenihan TD was appointed as Minister for Diaspora Affairs in the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in July, 2014. In Budget 2015 €1 million was allocated for new diaspora projects and initiatives in the Vote of the Department of the Taoiseach - this is additional to the €11.595 million allocated to the Emigrant Support Programme in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for 2015.

The Minister for Diaspora Affairs is working to finalise a new Diaspora Policy that will build on the important work that has been done to support emigrants and with the additional funding will invest in new projects and initiatives designed to further broaden and deepen Ireland’s engagement with its global Diaspora. This funding will have a particular focus on supporting local communities to develop relationships with their diasporas.