Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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7. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the total funding provided in 2024 for the emigrant support programme; the allocation for 2025; if any new measures will be supported through this important initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40604/24]

Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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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 2025 allocation will be €16,493,000.

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 will continue also channel funding in support of cultural, heritage, business and Irish Studies projects.

I was particularly pleased to see a strong increase in new organisations applying for support with some 70 new Irish community organisations from around the world receiving support for their projects.