Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 May 2014
37. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he discussed with the British Prime Minister, David Cameron, the difficulties faced by this and by previous generations of Irish citizens who emigrated to Britain. [19921/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAddressing the needs of Irish emigrants around the world is a key strand of Diaspora engagement by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.The emphasis of the Emigrant Support Programme (ESP) is on supporting culturally sensitive, front-line welfare services, targeted at the most vulnerable members of our overseas communities, with Britain being the focus of the greatest part of this support. These services have made a concrete difference to the lives of Irish communities overseas, reducing homelessness, tackling social isolation, and enabling Irish emigrants to access their statutory entitlements locally.
Since 2003, the Emigrant Support Programme has provided more than €114 million in grants to Irish community and voluntary organisations, of which €86 million has been provided to more than 200 organisations in Britain. This funding has been directed primarily at front-line welfare services, working to support those made vulnerable by health, age or dislocation. In 2013 approximately 80% of the grants paid in Britain were made to organisations providing welfare and information services to the Irish community. The organisations funded provide a range of services from informal community networking groups for seniors, to outreach services and advice in accessing entitlements. Our support continues to evolve. For example, in 2013, a grant was made to Console, the suicide prevention and bereavement service, to assist with the start-up costs of their new operation in Britain.
