Paula Butterly (Louth, Fine Gael)
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6. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of countries that have established Irish support agencies similar to the one in Sydney, Australia, which provide front-line support to persons in the Irish Australian community; the way in which these organisations are funded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24513/25]

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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The Government is committed to deepening our ties with Irish communities overseas and to ensuring that the welfare of the Irish abroad remains at the heart of our diaspora engagement.

Central to our approach is the Emigrant Support Programme (ESP), which provides grants to organisations in the voluntary sector who work with our most vulnerable citizens overseas. The Programme also supports projects that nurture our cultural heritage, promote vibrant networks among the Irish abroad and provide advice for emigrants who wish to return to Ireland.

Since its establishment in 2004, the ESP has granted over €250 million in support of more than 850 organisations in 51 countries. This year the Department will allocate almost €16.5 million in support of diaspora engagement.

The majority of the funding (some 60%) is granted to frontline welfare service providers working with elderly Irish emigrants, and other vulnerable members of our communities. The Sydney-based organisation referred to by the Deputy has been in receipt of ESP funding for a number of years to support its important work.

Our Embassies and Consulates work closely with similar organisations providing community care services across Great Britain, the US, Canada and elsewhere in Australia.

Full details on the Emigrant Support Programme including the organisations who receive grants each year is available on our website.