Andrews announces increased funding for Irish immigration groups in US
Minister for Foreign Affairs, David Andrews TD, has announced increased funding for Irish immigration groups in the US. "I have made provision for a significant increase in the grants available, bringing the amount up to $300,000 during the current year as financial support for the work of groups in the US dealing with the welfare of Irish immigrants. This brings total Government funding over ten years to almost $ 2.5 million dollars". The Minister was speaking in New York yesterday at the official opening of the Aisling Irish Community Centre, which provides information on immigration legislation, housing, job referrals and health and social services for Irish immigrants. "I am proud that there is a tradition of support for Immigration Centres in the US from the Government of Ireland" said the Minister. "We will continue to give every possible support to your activities".
During his two-day visit to the US, the Minister also addressed the 3rd Annual Israel-Ireland-Northern Ireland Conference on Technology Investment and Partnering Opportunities which was attended by over 150 top venture capitalists, investment bankers and Chief Executives.
The Minister met with Mayor Thomas M. Menino of Boston and visited the Boston Irish Famine Memorial. He also visited Boston College, one of the leading Jesuit Universities in the USA, which has strong historical and contemporary links with Ireland. During his time there, Minister Andrews was briefed on the work of Irish Studies and the Irish Institute, which runs business and political leadership programmes.
Minister Andrews will meet with Cardinal Law this afternoon and brief him on developments in relation to Northern Ireland. The Minister will also meet with leaders of the Irish Immigration Centre in Boston and pay tribute to their excellent work for immigrants in the region over the past ten years.
