Government announces €1.8m for immigrant support groups in US

The Government is to provide grants worth more than €1.8 million to organisations supporting vulnerable Irish emigrants in the US.

Minister of State for the Diaspora Jimmy Deenihan made the announcement in New York, where he is meeting Irish community and business groups.

Some 34 organisations will be supported by the grants in 2014 and 2015.

The largest single recipients are the Irish International Immigration Centre in Boston (€206,626), the Emerald Isle Immigration Centre in New York (€154,686) and the Chicago Irish Immigrant Support organisation (€147,862).

The organisations provide services such as counselling on health, social and financial issues, as well as social and educational programmes to help new immigrants integrate.

“ This funding will support projects which address the needs of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable Irish emigrants,” Mr Deenihan said.

“It will enable Irish emigrants and Irish community organisations to access vital local services as healthcare, education, and housing.

"We are also funding community-focused services as the Irish Heritage Club, Seattle which encourage closer links between Irish communities abroad and Ireland, to the benefit of both."

Over €310,000 in cultural and heritage grants are included in the allocation.

A total of €100,000 will go to the Irish Cultural Centre of New England and the the Irish Repertory Theatre in New York will receive €46,710.

The funding is part of the Emigrant Support Programme (ESP), which is managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

This year’s allocation is an increase of 7 per cent on 2013 levels, the Minister noted.

Mr Deenihan said the inclusion of €12.5 million in next year’s budget to support emigrants and engage with the diaspora worldwide was “a significant achievement”.

He thanked those who work in the Irish centres and other organisations in New York and throughout the US.