Gerard Murphy
Question:39 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the level of funding that will be allocated to Irish emigrant groups for 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30050/04]
View answerWednesday, 24 November 2004
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Written answers
I am delighted that the funds available to emigrant services will once again rise substantially next year. The Estimates for Public Services include an overall allocation of €8.267 million to support our emigrants in 2005. This is a doubling of the 2004 Estimates figure. Even allowing for the additional funding which was made available to emigrant services in late 2004, this figure of €8.267 million represents an overall increase of 63%.
We have, therefore, increased very substantially funding to the voluntary organisations that assist our emigrants. The funding will in large part go to groups providing front line services to our emigrant communities in Britain, and especially the most vulnerable Irish people there. There will also be significant increases for emigrant groups providing similar services in the United States and Australia.
This very significant increase reflects in the clearest possible way the strength of the Government's firm and sustained commitment to our emigrant communities. Our commitment is both immediate and long-term, and the very substantial allocation for 2005 will be built on progressively over the coming years. Our commitment is also reflected in the establishment of a new dedicated unit — the Irish abroad unit — which has been warmly welcomed at home and abroad.