More than £2 million has been allocated by the Government to assist vulnerable members of the Irish community in Britain.
The Tanaiste, Ms Harney, yesterday announced the provision of £2,051,000 in Budget 2001 to address the special needs of Irish emigrants.
A recent survey by the Simon charity estimates at least one-third of street-sleepers in inner London are Irish.
"The Government is keenly aware of the difficulties faced by the most disadvantaged Irish emigrants, such as the elderly, Travellers, and people of all ages who are in poor health, homeless or in insecure or temporary accommodation," Ms Harney said.