The Government is to help fund GAA coaches working in Irish communities in Britain and the US, it emerged today.
The scheme is designed to match current funding provided by the GAA to promote football and hurling among children in both countries.
The Department of Foreign Affairs will provide €316,000 euro towards 10 coaches in Britain and €65,000 for four coaches in the US.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheal Martin said the GAA plays a key role in the social and cultural life of Irish communities abroad
The Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin said: "The GAA plays a key role in the social and cultural life of Irish communities abroad.
"The Association underpins and promotes Irish heritage and identity across the globe, and is a major contributor to Irish community networks.
"As a Government, we are determined to maintain and strengthen our links with Irish communities abroad."
Mr Martin said that gaelic games in Britain and North America are now being played by large numbers of children of Irish emigrants.
"The future of our gaelic games overseas will increasingly depend on young people with an Irish background rather than Irish-born emigrants".
The Government has also announced it is allocating €20,000 to the cross-community Belfast Cuchullains hurling team which will playing series of matches in New York and Philadelphia.
"The Cuchullains are a wonderful example of how the two traditions on this Island can come together in the spirit of peace, friendship and reconciliation," said Mr Martin.
Last month it emerged that the Government is jointly-funding a welfare officer for young Irish footballers who fail to make the grade at professional soccer in Britain.
The partnership with the FAI follows growing concern at the plight of young players who do not succeed at the top level and suffer hardship through lack of education and training.
In an average year, 50 young Irish footballers are contracted to play with British clubs.
But according to a recent study carried out by the Professional Footballers Association, 85 per cent subsequently fail to make the grade as professional footballers.