Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheal Martin announces grants for U.S. Irish organizations

During his visit to the U.S. last week, Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheal Martin announced the allocation of $2.68 million in grants for Irish organizations throughout the U.S. The Emigrant Support Program, managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs, provides the grants.

Twenty-eight Irish organizations in the U.S., including those who work closely with immigrants to providing pivotal support, advice and programs, have benefited from the grants.

Speaking after a series of meetings with Irish immigration centers and groups in New York last week, Martin said, “In my closing address to the recent Global Irish Economic Forum at Farmleigh, I emphasized my firm commitment to achieving a new level of sustained engagement with members of our Diaspora and Irish communities abroad.”

He continued, “As part of my determination to follow up quickly on the momentum generated at Farmleigh, I am pleased to announce the allocation of $2.68million to a range of Irish organizations in the U.S. ”

Grateful for the work the various centers and organizations do for the undocumented, Martin said, “The resolution of the situation facing the undocumented Irish, and the early establishment of new arrangements to facilitate legal migration between Ireland and the U.S. remain a priority for me as minister.”

The Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform (ILIR) received $50,000 to continue its efforts to lobby on behalf of the undocumented. Announcing the funding for ILIR Martin said, “The allocation of additional government support to the ILIR is a further indication of the government’s firm determination to work with our community in the US to find a long term solution.”

ILIR also received $50,000 last year, $100,000 in 2007 and $85,000 in 2006.

In New York, the Aisling Irish Community Center in Yonkers received a grant totaling $130,000. Last year they received $146,000. The Emerald Isle Immigration Center received $210,000, $14,000 more than its 2008 grant. The Senior Help Line received an additional $10,000 to its $15,000 grant from last year and Project Irish Outreach received $107,386, slightly less than its grant in 2008.

The New York Irish Cultural Center/Failte Care Corporation received $130,000, $80,000 less than last year.

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Nster.com