Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 May 2024
96. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the allocation to the emigrant support programme in the years 2019 to 2024, by year, in tabular form; the projects supported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24091/24]
View answerI thank the Deputy for his interest in Government support for Irish communities abroad.
As the Government Minister with responsibility for diaspora issues, I am committed to implementing the Government's Diaspora Strategy 2020-2025. In that context, the Government's Emigrant Support Programme (ESP) continues to be the main driver of our engagement with Irish communities abroad. Since its inception in 2004, the programme has assisted more than 850 organisations, in 51 countries, with total grants of more than €237 million. This money has been used to support the most vulnerable and marginalised in Irish communities all over the world, as well as supporting cultural, heritage, sporting, academic and other aspects of Irish community life abroad.
The ESP budget figures requested by the Deputy for the years 2019-2024, including both the opening allocation and any adjustments during the year, are as follows:
|
Year |
Opening budget |
Year-end budget |
|
2019 |
€12,595,010 |
€12,575,800 |
|
2020 |
€12,595,000 |
€12,595,000 |
|
2021 |
€12,593,800 |
€13,093,800 |
|
2022 |
€12,593,000 |
€14,093,000 |
|
2023 |
€13,893,000 |
€17,093,000 |
|
2024 |
€15,493,000 |
|
This year's opening budget of €15.493 million is an increase of €1.6 million on the 2023 figure and is the highest opening budget to date for the programme.
As regards the projects supported by the programme, the Deputy will find the most up to date information here Previous Funding | Emigrant Support Programme | Ireland - this is Ireland. The 2023 figures are currently being finalised.
