Dear Friends, How do you interpret the governmental title "Minister for the Diaspora?" -----Original Message----- REPRINT today: The Irish Government is to provide more than $2.2 million (€1.8m) to organizations which support vulnerable Irish emigrants in the United States, Minister for the Diaspora Jimmy Deenihan has announced. Speaking in New York, where he is meeting with Irish community and business groups, the Minister said, “I am delighted to announce the award of Emigrant Support Programme grants to 34 organizations in the US, totaling over €1.8 million ($2.3m) for 2014-2015. This funding will support projects which address the needs of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable Irish emigrants. It will enable Irish emigrants and Irish community organizations to access vital local services as healthcare, education, and housing. We are also funding community-focused services such as the Irish Heritage Club, Seattle which encourage closer links between Irish communities abroad and Ireland, to the benefit of both." The funding is part of the Emigrant Support Programme (ESP), which is managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. This year’s allocation is an increase of 7% on 2013 levels. http://www.irishcentral.com/news/politics/Irish-emigrants-in- the-US-to-receive-22m-support-says-Minister-for-Diaspora.html