Grants Of Almost 10 Million Euro Awarded To Irish Groups In Britain

The bulk of the funding (over 75%) will go to Welfare projects, including significant funding for projects providing services for the elderly Irish there and also to support the provision of mental health services for those vulnerable members of the Irish community in Britain.

Since 1984 the Government has given financial support to voluntary agencies providing advice and welfare services to vulnerable Irish emigrants in Britain. 

Close to €50 million has been allocated to Irish community groups since then, with 84% of this amount allocated since 2000. 

Announcing the grant allocations, Foreign Minister Dermot Ahern, T.D., emphasised the priority which he attaches to supporting projects that benefit older Irish people: "Assisting the older members of our community in Britain is a clear priority. 

"Many of the organisations receiving funding this year cater for the elderly, ranging from informal community networking groups for senior citizens to professional organisations that offer a range of services.

"These grant allocations are a clear reflection of the Government's strong commitment to the welfare and enhancement of our community in Britain. 

"We are determined to maintain and develop this substantial level of support in future years."

Talking about the distribution of the funds, Minister Ahern noted that while the primary emphasis of funding continues to be on supporting projects that promote the welfare of the elderly, homeless and vulnerable, he was, "pleased that additional funding has also made it possible to support a number of heritage and cultural projects which are vital to the development of community networks and which help to foster community spirit.

Altogether over €1.2 million is being given to groups working on heritage and cultural projects.

Minister Ahern expressed his deep appreciation of the work and dedication of the Díon Advisory Committee - an advisory Committee on welfare issues for the Irish in Britain - for the time and effort they have spent in providing their advice and expertise on the large number of grant applications received.

Government funding for emigrant services continues to rise significantly. In 2007 a figure of €15.165 million has been allocated for emigrant services worldwide, compared to €12 million in 2006 - an increase of 26%. While most of the available funding is directed to organisations in Britain, grants are also extended to groups in the USA, Australia, Canada, Argentina, South Africa and Zimbabwe as well as to a number of organisations in Ireland engaged in activities that support Irish emigrants.