FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO the Irish diaspora has increased to over €12.5 million in today’s budget.

An increase of €1 million has been given to new diaspora projects as part of Budget 2015.

The €11.6 million given to the Emigrant Support Programme remained at the same level it was at in 2014’s budget.

The annoucement was welcomed by Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan. Speaking today he said:

I am delighted that the Emigrant Support Programme and support to the diaspora has received increased Government funding bringing financial support to over €12.5m. While we rightly celebrate the successes of many Irish people around the world, we must not lose sight of those who haven’t enjoyed that success, those who are rendered vulnerable by loneliness, dislocation or other factors.

The announcement was also welcomed by Minister for Diaspora Affairs Jimmy Deenihan.

“We must remember that the Irish diaspora encompasses a diverse range of groups and individuals who have different levels of connection with Ireland and have varying needs and expectations arising from that,” said Deenihan.

He also stated that he was working to finalise a new national strategy to ensure that the Government’s outreach connects with all parts of the diaspora.