Grants to emigrant advice organisations based in Ireland

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Dermot Ahern T.D., today announced grants totalling €200,000 to three organisations actively engaged in emigrant services.  Emigrant Advice, the Safe Home Programme and the Irish Commission for Prisoners Overseas.

In announcing the grants, Minister Ahern emphasised the high priority that he attaches to developing and strengthening links with Irish communities abroad.

“I am determined to develop and deepen our relationship even further with our communities abroad.  A particular priority is to continue and extend our support to our more vulnerable emigrants, including the undocumented in the US and older Irish people in Britain.  Funding has been increased substantially, with this year's figure reaching a historic high of €12 million.

The Minister also added:
“While most funding will continue to be directed to Irish organisations abroad, I am happy to also support a number of organisations based in Ireland.  Emigrant Advice and the Safe Home Programme are engaged in valuable work in assisting Irish emigrants who are considering a return to Ireland, as well as advising those thinking of living abroad.  We are also supporting the Irish Commission for Prisoners Overseas in their important work with Irish prisoners overseas and their families.”

Note for Editors:

In 2006, Department of Foreign Affairs funding for emigrant services has reached €12 million, an increase of 45% on 2005.  The Minister for Foreign Affairs will shortly announce grants to organisations in Britain and the United States that support Irish people resident in those countries.

The grants announced today are to three organisations based in Ireland.  They are:
Emigrant Advice (www.emigrantadvice.ie), which is receiving a grant of €93,000 to support its pre-departure and outreach programme aimed at reaching vulnerable people considering emigration.

Safe Home Programme (www.safehomeireland.com), which is receiving a grant of €62,000 to support it in its work assisting older Irish emigrants considering a return to Ireland.  Today's grant is in respect of Safe Home's work with Irish people resident in countries other than Britain. 

Irish Commission for Prisoners Overseas is receiving a grant of €45,000 to support it in its activities in assisting Irish prisoners abroad and their families.

ENDS+++
01 May 2006
Press Office