|
Clubs face highs and lows as Díon grants roll out The
Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dermot Ahern was in London this week
to announce the annual Díon grants awarded to various organisations
around Britain.
A reception was held at the Irish Embassy with representatives from many
community organisations who travelled to London for the occasion.
This year nearly £7million was handed out by the Irish Government
in recognition of, the essential work carried out in changing the lives
of thousands of Irish living in Britain today.
The Minister confirmed the Irish Government’s commitment to these
funds by stating that the Irish in Britain got a ?10million chunk out
of ?15.1million budget.
In making the announcement, the Minister expressed his “great admiration
of the invaluable work of the organisations on the front line in Britain
in providing care and assistance to emigrants and especially to the most
vulnerable members of the community”.
Just under 150 groups received amounts ranging from £1,000 to £580,557
in financial help.
The Minister continued by saying that he is determined to support and
strengthen these groups in every way possible in the future.
Speaking at the reception Alex McDonnell from the Aisling Project said:
“We’re very happy with the generous donation again this year.
It is nice that the Irish Government recognises the work done in Britain
to help improve the lives of so many emigrants over here.
“As long as these funds keep coming in then I’m sure it will
help tremendously.” |
