I propose to take Questions Nos. 167 to 169, inclusive, together.
I am acutely aware of the plight of vulnerable Irish citizens around the world and in Britain in particular. Since 2004 the Emigrant Support Programme (ESP), previously Díon, has provided financial support for frontline welfare services. There is an Irish Abroad Unit in my Department and an Irish Communities Section in the Embassy in London reflecting the importance of this issue. Irish organisations in Britain are the largest recipients of ESP funding and have received grants amounting to over €70million since 2004. The emphasis of the Programme’s funding in Britain, as elsewhere, is on supporting frontline welfare services. In 2012, I approved grants of £5,698,400 (just over €7m)
in respect of
113 organisations of which £4.485 million (€5.5m) relates to organisations providing welfare and information services to the Irish community, particularly the elderly.
The organisations funded provide a range of services, from informal community networking groups for senior citizens, to outreach services and advice in accessing entitlements. The ESP funds many professional services that provide expert advice and assist Irish people access the relevant supports provided in relation to social, housing and medical needs to name but a few. This support has had a very tangible and positive impact on Irish communities in Britain, in particular on the lives of our vulnerable citizens, a point acknowledged by, amongst others, the Simon Community and the British-Irish Inter-parliamentary Body.
I welcome the publication of Fresh Perspectives – a needs analysis of the Irish Community and am delighted to see both the Federation of Irish Societies and the London Irish Centre working together to improve the lives of Irish people in the UK. The ESP is the lead supporter of both of these organisations who are the largest recipients of ESP funding in Britain receiving £475,000 (€590,000) and £448,500 (€550,000) respectively in 2012.