Operation of the Emigrant Support Programme in Britain

Based on the 2011 British Census, there are some 550,000 Irish-born people residing in Britain and many more second and subsequent generation Irish.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade approves grants under the Emigrant Support Programme for organisations based in Britain having considered the recommendations of the Irish Government's Emigrant Services Advisory Committed and the Embassy of Ireland in London. The Committee, formerly known as Díon, was established in 1984 to advise the Government on the welfare of the Irish community in Britain, where it is based. Its primary role is to make recommendations to the Minister on applications for funding submitted by organisations working with the Irish community in Britain.

In 2012, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Eamon Gilmore T.D. approved grants totalling €7.6 million (£6 million), details of which can be found in the "Related Documents" section - see link at the bottom of this page.

Any queries on the operation of the programme in Britain may be directed to the Irish Embassy in London.