The Tanaiste, Ms Harney, yesterday announced Dion grants of more than £2 million for welfare and advice agencies working with the Irish community in Britain.
The Government's allocation of £2,051,000 this year represents a doubling of the funds provided for welfare groups last year.
The 2001 grant includes a one-off £1 million payment to improve the level of support to voluntary organisations who provide advisory and welfare services for Irish emigrants.
