Minister McEntee and Minister Richmond announce €16.4 million for diaspora projects

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee TD, and Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, have announced that €16.4 million in Emigrant Support Programme funding was allocated to over 530 projects around the world in 2025.

The Emigrant Support Programme (ESP) supports Irish communities and groups abroad, working through organisations across the world to deliver the Government's commitment to deepen ties with Irish citizens and communities overseas.

In 2025, the ESP prioritised frontline welfare services aimed at supporting the most vulnerable and marginalised of our diaspora. The programme also contributed to promoting vibrant and diverse communities through funding for sporting, cultural, heritage, network building and Irish studies projects.

Since its establishment in 2004, the ESP has granted over €265 million in support of almost 900 voluntary organisations in Ireland and 51 countries across the world.

Highlighting the importance of strong Irish communities overseas, Minister McEntee said: "The partnership we have with Irish communities abroad makes a vital contribution to promoting Ireland. Their voices amplify our values and their energy showcases the best of our culture and heritage across the globe.

"The Government will ensure the Emigrant Support Programme continues to support our welfare, cultural and sporting organisations. Their work provides a tangible link to home, alleviating loneliness and isolation and helping communities to thrive.

"As we approach the end of the year, I especially want to thank the staff and volunteers around the world who deliver these world-class supports, often in challenging environments. I look forward to meeting more of you next year. In particular, I look forward to engaging with our communities across the EU as I travel ahead of Ireland taking over the EU Presidency in the second half of 2026."

Minister Richmond said: "Supporting those who wish to come back to build their lives in Ireland remains a priority. The ESP supports Irish organisations such as Safe Home Ireland and Crosscare as well as the Returning to Ireland Portal on citizensinformation.ie, which provides very useful advice.

"Through Back for Business, we continue to help returning entrepreneurs develop a business in Ireland. We have also responded to a specific request by opening discussions with the State of New York on agreeing a driving licence exchange agreement and will engage with further states in the period ahead."

Minister Richmond also noted the substantive work undertaken to engage with the global Irish in developing the Government's new diaspora strategy for 2026-2031. He said: "I want to thank all those who engaged with us throughout the year on our new diaspora strategy. We held 30 formal meetings across the world, as well as the Global Irish Survey which drew more than 10,000 responses.

"I was delighted to meet so many people during the consultations and to hear first-hand about the opportunities and challenges our overseas communities face. I am committed to ensuring our new strategy reflects what we heard and ensure our relationship with our global Irish communities is a dynamic one that meets their needs."

2025 also saw broad consultations with our diaspora as part of the development of the Government's new diaspora strategy. This included 30 in-person consultations around the world as well the first digital consultation with the Irish overseas - the Global Irish Survey. Work on the new strategy is progressing ahead of its launch next year.

Notes:

Global Ireland: Ireland Diaspora Strategy 2020-2025 sets out the Government's objectives to support and engage with our diaspora communities around the world. The Emigrant Support Programme is central to this commitment.

Further details on the Emigrant Support Programme including 2025 grant recipients can be found here.

In line with the Programme for Government, work is underway on developing the next diaspora strategy, which will be launched at the Global Irish Civic Forum in late April 2026.