Ireland’s Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Michéal Martin, has announced the distribution of €17.5 million in grants for diaspora-related projects in 2024, marking the 20th anniversary of the Emigrant Support Programme (ESP). This initiative, which has awarded over €250 million in grants since its inception, continues to serve as a vital support system for Irish emigrants and their communities around the world.
The Emigrant Support Programme, managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs, has been instrumental in assisting Irish people abroad, particularly those who are elderly or vulnerable. The programme provides crucial support for frontline welfare services that serve emigrants in need, and in 2024, welfare initiatives continued to account for approximately 60% of the annual grants.
Reflecting on the significance of the ESP’s two-decade milestone, Tánaiste Michéal Martin emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to supporting its diaspora. He stated:
“Wherever I travel, I am always honoured to meet Irish people and those who want to share our culture. Over the last 20 years, the Emigrant Support Programme has been a clear example of the government’s commitment to our overseas community. I have seen the valuable work it does for the most vulnerable emigrants. As we look to the future, our commitment to supporting the delivery of vital frontline welfare services remains steadfast.”
The ESP, which has provided critical support to over 850 charitable and community organisations in 51 countries, has expanded its focus in recent years. In addition to supporting the welfare of vulnerable emigrants, the programme now funds initiatives that promote Irish culture, encourage the growth of vibrant networks, and strengthen the sense of Irish identity worldwide. These projects aim to foster deeper connections between Irish communities, celebrate their heritage, and promote Irish values globally.
Minister Martin also highlighted the support offered to Irish emigrants who are seeking to return home. The government collaborates with organizations like Safe Home Ireland and Crosscare, and funds initiatives such as the Returning to Ireland Portal, which provides practical guidance for those wishing to return to Ireland. In addition, the Back for Business programme offers assistance to those who have recently returned, helping them start or develop a business in Ireland.
Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora Seán Fleming also reflected on the ESP’s achievements, paying tribute to the tireless work of staff and volunteers who support the programme’s mission. He commented:
“I want to pay special tribute to all the staff and volunteers who deliver these first-class services. The work that they do with and on behalf of our diaspora is greatly valued by the government and highly appreciated both at home and abroad.”
In 2024, the ESP made significant contributions to Irish communities worldwide, with 72 community care projects, 32 lunch clubs, and 24 cultural and heritage projects funded in the United Kingdom alone. These initiatives are part of a broader effort to engage with the Irish diaspora and foster stronger ties between Ireland and its global communities.
The programme also extended its reach, with 30 new organisations in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia receiving funding for the first time. Locations like Memphis, Tennessee, Charlotte, North Carolina, and Madison, Wisconsin are now beneficiaries of the programme’s grants, which aim to promote Irish culture, heritage, and values across the globe.
As Ireland continues to expand its diplomatic network, the ESP’s impact has grown, with new support being provided to organisations in the Middle East and Asia. This aligns with the government’s Global Ireland Strategy and Diaspora Strategy 2020-2025, which set out objectives to engage more closely with Irish communities abroad and strengthen their ties with Ireland.
The Emigrant Support Programme is a cornerstone of Ireland’s commitment to its global citizens, ensuring that those who have left the country to seek better opportunities remain connected to their cultural roots and heritage, and continue to contribute positively to Irish society.
As Ireland celebrates the 20th anniversary of the ESP, the programme’s ongoing success highlights the enduring bond between Ireland and its diaspora and reflects the government’s commitment to supporting its people, regardless of where they live.
For further details on the Emigrant Support Programme, visit the Department of Foreign Affairs website.