Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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28. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if additional resources will be provided to US-based support groups for the undocumented to facilitate the maximum uptake of President Obama's executive action on immigration reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2537/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Through our Embassy in Washington and our Consulates throughout the U.S., we are working closely with many individuals and groups across Irish America and beyond towards achieving some relief for undocumented Irish migrants in the United States.

Our diplomatic missions will continue to work in partnership with the excellent Irish immigration centres in the United States, whose work my Department supports. Since President Obama announced his reforms late last year, we have worked closely with them on ensuring maximum assistance and information being provided to Irish citizens via these centres. This work will continue as the immigration reforms proceed into implementation stage during 2015. Since 2003, the Irish Government has awarded nearly USD $27 million to Irish organisations in the US which provide vital support to our community. This funding is through the Emigrant Support Programme (ESP) and it is a source of pride that despite the severe economic downturn of recent years, we maintained ESP funding at significant levels.

The Department has been a major supporter of the immigration centres and their umbrella body for many years.

During his visit to the US at the end of 2014, my colleague Jimmy Deenihan TD, Minister of State with responsibility for the Diaspora, announced that for the year 2014-2015 funding in the amount of nearly USD$2.3 million would be granted to 34 organisations.

More generally, the announcement in October of €12.595 million in the 2015 estimates for supporting emigrants and engaging with the diaspora around the world means the level of ESP funding will be maintained, with an additional €1 million for new diaspora projects and initiatives.

US immigration reform measures should bring about some re-prioritisation of work and allocation of existing resources within the immigration centres. Any additional requests for funding would be contingent on a clear demonstration of need over and above existing supports provided by the Irish Government. If applications are received, requests for support would have to be considered within the current financial limits of the Emigrant Support Programme.