The Government is to give almost €415,000 to organisations across Australia this year to provide welfare services and support to Irish emigrants.
The money, which is being granted to 16 organisations who provide services to some of the 70,000 Irish-born people in Australia, is part of the Foreign Affairs and Trade's Emigrant Support Programme.
The funding was announced by Minister for Diaspora Affairs Jimmy Deenihan who is on a ten-day visit to Australia.
Minister Deenihan said: "The funding will support frontline welfare organisations to help members of the Irish community, particularly those who are elderly or vulnerable.
"Funding has also been made available to organisations that help foster Irish identity within our community."
