Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

68. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the estimated cost in 2025 if the budget for the diaspora affairs fund increased by 50%. [37837/24]

Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Government remains strongly committed to supporting Irish diaspora communities all over the world, in line with its Global Ireland: Ireland’s Diaspora Strategy 2020-2025.

The most tangible expression of that support is through the Emigrant Support Programme, administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs, which this year will see the disbursement of over €16 million in grants to Irish community and other organisations all over the world. The emphasis of the Emigrant Support Programme rightly remains on supporting culturally sensitive, frontline welfare services, targeted at the most vulnerable members of our overseas communities. We also channel funding to support cultural, heritage, business and Irish studies projects.

The budget allocated to the Diaspora Affairs Fund in 2024 was €1 million. The overall 2025 allocation for the Emigrant Support Programme and Diaspora Affairs Fund will be confirmed following finalisation of the budget process. Amongst the projects supported by the Diaspora Affairs Fund are:

- the provision by the Citizens Information Board of advice and support to those seeking to return to Ireland;

- the Back for Business entrepreneurship development programme for returning emigrants;

- the funding of a Historian-in-Residence in the EPIC Emigration Museum and the development of diaspora-related exhibitions.

The Government will continue to support our diaspora communities and the organisations which work with them.