Press release
Tánaiste reflects on 20 years of the Emigrant Support Programme
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Michéal Martin TD, has announced that the Department of Foreign Affairs dispersed €17.5 million in supports and grants for diaspora-related projects in 2024.
2024 marked the 20th anniversary of the Government’s Emigrant Support Programme (ESP), which since its establishment has seen more than €250 million in grants awarded to 850 charitable and Irish community organisations in 51 countries.
The programme, managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs, focuses on supporting frontline welfare service providers that assist elderly Irish emigrants, and other vulnerable members of Irish communities worldwide. These community supports remain at the heart of the programme today and account for some 60% of grants made each year.
In recent years, the programme has also recognised the importance of strong and active Irish communities more generally, and has funded projects that foster a sense of Irishness, promote vibrant networks and nurture our culture and heritage.
Reflecting on the 20th anniversary, the Tánaiste said: “Wherever I travel, I am always honoured to meet Irish people and those who want to share our culture. Over the last 20 years, the Emigrant Support Programme has been a clear example of the Government’s commitment to our overseas community. I have seen the valuable work it does for the most vulnerable emigrants. As we look to the future, our commitment to supporting the delivery of vital frontline welfare services remains steadfast.
“I also welcome the support the ESP provides to Irish emigrants looking to return to Ireland. We work with group such as Safe Home Ireland and Crosscare as well as funding the Returning to Ireland Portal with the Citizens’ Information Board, which provides practical guidance to those wishing to come home. It also supports initiatives such as Back for Business, which helps those who have recently returned to start or develop a business in Ireland.”
The Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Seán Fleming TD said: “I want to pay special tribute to all the staff and volunteers who deliver these first class services. The work that they do with and on behalf of our diaspora is greatly valued by the Government and highly appreciated both at home and abroad.
“In 2024, in the UK alone, our partners organised 72 community care projects, 32 lunch clubs, 30 projects for underrepresented groups, 24 cultural and heritage projects, 22 festivals and 10 youth and family projects.
“I am also pleased that the Emigrant Support Programme has strengthened the bonds between the global Irish and Ireland in over 51 countries so far. As our diplomatic network expanded, we were able to support organisations in the Middle East and Asia. In 2024, some 30 new organisations including in places such as Memphis, Tennessee, Charlotte, North Carolina and Madison, Wisconsin received funding for the first time to work with us in promoting our culture, heritage and values. Engagement with our communities is a key objective of the Government’s Diaspora Strategy and our Global Ireland strategy.”
ENDS
Press Office
22 December 2024
Global Ireland: Ireland Diaspora Strategy 2020-2025 sets out the Government’s objectives to support and engage with our diaspora communities around the world. The Emigrant Support Programme is central to this commitment.
The Emigrant Support Programme funding year runs from 1 July – 30 June. Further details can be found here.