The government has announced grants today totalling €8.21 million to 130 voluntary organisations that work with the Irish community in Britain.
The Government has announced grants today totalling €8.21 million euro to 130 voluntary organisations that work with the Irish community in Britain.
Most of the funding, which has increased by 13 per cent on last year, goes towards groups assisting vulnerable sectors such as the elderly, the homeless, Travellers and drug abuse victims.
However Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin said financial support was also given to heritage and cultural projects which help develop and foster community spirit.
"These grant allocations are a clear reflection of the Irish Government's strong commitment to the welfare and enhancement of our community in Britain," he said.
"We are determined to maintain and develop this substantial level of support in future years.
"Many of the organisations receiving funding this year cater for the elderly, ranging from informal community networking groups for senior citizens to professional organisations that offer a range of services."
Groups that received cheques included the Coventry Irish Society, the Emerald Social Club in Wolverhampton, Greenwich Irish Pensioners' Association, Leeds Gypsy and Traveller Exchange and the Celtic and Irish Cultural Centre. The London Irish Centre Charity received the biggest cheque: €556,940.
The Government consulted the Emigrant Services Advisory Committee on grant applications and also on issues of interest and concern to the Irish community in Britain.
The Government has given 50 million euro in financial support since 1984 to voluntary agencies providing advice and welfare services to vulnerable Irish emigrants in Britain.
The eligibility criteria has been expanded in recent years to consider cultural, heritage, sporting and other activities which help to foster community contact and support.
Today's grant allocations form the majority of the total funding for 2008 but financial support for more projects will be announced later this year, Mr Martin said.
PA