The Department of Foreign Affairs released its 2025/26 Emigrant Support Programme (ESP) allocations on 23 October, confirming £6.54 million (€7.5 million) in grants to 110 community organisations across Great Britain. Beneficiaries range from the London Irish Centre (£938k) to smaller welfare groups such as the Birmingham Irish Association (£285k) and Irish Elderly Advice Network (£165k).
The ESP, now in its 20th year, funds services that assist Irish emigrants with housing, legal advice, mental-health support and cultural integration. According to the department, the latest round prioritises digital inclusion projects and outreach to second-generation youth, reflecting lessons learned during the pandemic.
Why it matters for global mobility: Irish employers that post staff to the UK under the Common Travel Area often rely on ESP-funded advice centres for PPS number applications, tax briefings and social-security queries. The 2025/26 grants thus indirectly support smoother outbound assignments.
Companies with large Irish-national workforces in Britain should track which regional partners receive funding, as these NGOs can be valuable first points of contact for assignees and their families.
The ESP, now in its 20th year, funds services that assist Irish emigrants with housing, legal advice, mental-health support and cultural integration. According to the department, the latest round prioritises digital inclusion projects and outreach to second-generation youth, reflecting lessons learned during the pandemic.
Why it matters for global mobility: Irish employers that post staff to the UK under the Common Travel Area often rely on ESP-funded advice centres for PPS number applications, tax briefings and social-security queries. The 2025/26 grants thus indirectly support smoother outbound assignments.
Companies with large Irish-national workforces in Britain should track which regional partners receive funding, as these NGOs can be valuable first points of contact for assignees and their families.
