Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee TD and Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora Neale Richmond TD have announced the allocation of €16.4 million in Emigrant Support Programme funding to more than 530 projects worldwide in 2025. The funding reinforces the Government’s commitment to strengthening connections with Irish citizens and communities overseas through targeted support delivered by organisations operating across the globe.
The Emigrant Support Programme continues to play a central role in assisting Irish communities abroad, with a strong focus in 2025 on frontline welfare services for vulnerable and marginalised members of the diaspora. Alongside welfare supports, the programme also funds initiatives that promote vibrant and inclusive communities, including cultural, sporting, heritage, education, and network-building projects that help sustain Irish identity overseas.
Since its establishment in 2004, the programme has provided over €265 million in funding to nearly 900 voluntary organisations in Ireland and across 51 countries. Minister McEntee highlighted the value of strong overseas Irish communities, noting that they help promote Ireland internationally while providing vital social and emotional support that reduces isolation and fosters a sense of belonging among emigrants.
Minister McEntee also acknowledged the dedication of staff and volunteers delivering these services, often in challenging circumstances, and expressed her intention to continue engaging with Irish communities abroad. She underlined the importance of this engagement as Ireland prepares to assume the EU Presidency in the second half of 2026.
Minister Richmond emphasized the Government’s focus on supporting those who wish to return to Ireland, including assistance for housing, integration, and entrepreneurship. He highlighted ongoing supports for returning emigrants and efforts to remove practical barriers, such as progress on discussions to facilitate driving licence exchange agreements with international partners.
The Ministers also noted the extensive engagement with the global Irish community during 2025 as part of the development of the Government’s new diaspora strategy for 2026–2031. Consultations included in-person meetings across multiple regions and a large-scale digital survey, ensuring that the perspectives and experiences of overseas communities inform future policy. Work on the new strategy is ongoing, with its launch planned for next year, reflecting a continued commitment to maintaining a responsive and dynamic relationship with the Irish diaspora.
