Irish community groups in Britain are to get an extra €2 million from the Government to help emigrants, it was announced today.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern said the money would be targeted at older people and the most vulnerable.
"My particular priority has been to ensure that this additional support is targeted to services for our older and most vulnerable community in Britain," Mr Ahern said.
Earlier this year, the department allocated €12 million for emigrant groups in the UK, US and Australia - an increase of 45 per cent on 2005. Next year funding is expecting to reach €15.2 million.
Mr Ahern said: "We have a clear responsibility to this section of our community at all times, but especially so at this Christmas season."
As part of the funding package €1.6 million will go to nine Irish organisations in Britain to develop facilities for local communities.
PA