Grants to Irish community organisations in the United States and Canada and to emigrant advice organisations based in Ireland

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Dermot Ahern T.D., today announced grants exceeding €600,000 to Irish community organisations in the United States and Canada and to two organisations based in Ireland that provide support and advisory services to Irish emigrants.

In announcing the grants, Minister Ahern emphasised the high priority that he attaches to developing and strengthening links with Irish communities abroad.

“Funding has never been higher for Irish community organisations abroad.  This is a clear reflection of the Government's commitment to the welfare of our community across the globe.  I am delighted that increased financial support has been made available to organisations in the US and Canada that support our communities there.

“Government funding to the Irish immigration centres in the US continues to rise very significantly. I am pleased to announce funding of US$100,000 (€75,694) to the Coalition of Irish Immigration Centres (CIIC). The CIIC was founded in 1996 by a group of Irish centres to meet the need for representatives of Irish Immigrant organisations to share information and resources. The information and advisory services that the Irish immigration centres offer are of great benefit to the more vulnerable members of our community in the US.  Their services are of particular value to the undocumented Irish whose welfare remains an issue of deep concern to the Government.  We will continue to attach the highest priority to representing their interests in the critical period ahead.”

The Minister was also pleased to announce funding of Can$500,000 (€324,275) to support the Ireland Park Foundation, Toronto, Canada.

He stated:

“Government support for this project represents an acknowledgement and appreciation of the role that generations of Irish, past and present, who have settled in Toronto have played in developments there and at home. The park will be an appropriate recognition of the support and assistance given by the people of Toronto to the Irish community over the years.”