The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food, Mr Noel Davern, yesterday confirmed an additional £250,000 grant to Irish welfare and voluntary agencies in Britain.
Announcing a grant total of £1.015 million for this year, to be distributed among 39 welfare and advice agencies working with vulnerable members of the Irish community, Mr Davern told a reception at the Irish Embassy the agencies played a vital role in meeting the needs of the Irish in Britain.
Mr Davern apologised for the absence of the Tanaiste, Ms Harney, who, he said, was disappointed not to be able to make the announcement but "something political has come up. I hope it stays down, rather than up."
The decision to grant an additional £250,000 was announced earlier this year by the Tanaiste after the Government was lobbied by the Federation of Irish Societies (FIS).
It was also announced yesterday that 15 welfare agencies would receive funding on a three-year basis, beginning this year, to ensure continuity of services.
The group includes five new agencies, including Cricklewood Homeless Concern, which will receive £22,700 this year, and Southwark Irish Pensioners' Project, which will receive £14,000.