Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, has announced grants worth £7.8 million (€9.1 million) for initiatives supporting the Irish community in Britain, during a visit to London on 29 October.

At a reception at the Embassy of Ireland in London, Minister Richmond confirmed that £7.1 million (€8.3 million) from the Emigrant Support Programme will go to 106 voluntary and community organisations across England, Scotland and Wales — £521,000 more than last year — with a further £0.7 million (€0.8 million) allocated to the GAA and Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann for projects in Britain.

Speaking at the Irish Embassy in London, Minister Richmond said: "The Emigrant Support Programme funding that I am announcing today once again shows the government's commitment to working with our network of community organisations in Britain, to support our most vulnerable and to build vibrant and inclusive communities that showcase the very best of our culture, sports and values.

"During the consultations on our new diaspora strategy, we consistently heard that the wellbeing of Irish people overseas must remain central to our work. I am particularly pleased that over 75% of this year's funding is being allocated under the 'Wellbeing and Advocacy' priority of our new Diaspora Strategy. It will support vital frontline services, counselling, outreach and home visit programmes, as well as advice and guidance for those most in need." Referring to the €2 million rise in the 2027/2028 Emigrant Support Programme allocation, the Minister said: "Budget 2027 again saw the government invest significant resources to deliver on the commitments made in the new Diaspora Strategy. The allocation of €19.5 million to the Emigrant Support Programme next year is by far the highest to date – an increase of over 10% on this year.

"This increase is an important endorsement of the work of so many organisations who support our diaspora. It will allow us to continue to meet the ongoing frontline needs of our established communities, but will also support newer and underrepresented communities, as well as initiatives in our Diaspora Strategy aimed at harnessing the full potential of our networks across the globe."

Ireland's Diaspora Strategy 2026–2030, launched by Minister Richmond on 30 April 2026, sets out the government's priorities for engaging with and supporting diaspora communities worldwide. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade delivers the Emigrant Support Programme through Ireland's embassy network.

Budget 2027 provides €19.5 million for diaspora support, the largest allocation to date. By the end of 2027, the ESP will have provided over €300 million in grants and supports to more than 900 charitable and Irish community organisations in 53 countries. The ESP funding year runs from 1 July – 30 June, and applications for the 2027/28 round are open from 9 December 2026 to 14 January 2027. Further information, including the full list of 2026/2027 awards, is available online.