Minister of State for Migration Colm Brophy announces fund to support the integration and employment of people who have moved here as migrants

31st July 2025

• Up to €2.7 million available under the Employment, Inclusion, Skills and Training (EIST) Programme
• Fund is open to non-government and community organisations providing projects to increase the employability of people who moved here as migrants
• Fund helps people overcome barriers to employment including language difficulties, lack of training or social exclusion

The Minister of State for Migration Colm Brophy today announced funding of up to €2.7 million for projects that aim to increase the integration and employability of people who have moved here as migrants. Funding is being made available under the Integration and Employment of Migrants action of the Employment, Inclusion, Skills & Training (EIST) Programme 2021-2027. The Programme is jointly funded by the European Union, through the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), and the Government of Ireland

Announcing the fund, Minister Brophy said:

“I am very pleased to announce that regional and national organisations can now apply for funding through the Employability, Inclusion, Skills and Training Programme.

“People who move here as migrants bring skills and experience that are much needed in the current labour market. However, some people may find it difficult to find employment because of language difficulties, lack of training or social exclusion.

“The projects that will receive funding through this initiative will play a vital role in equipping people with the skills to overcome these obstacles and increase their employment opportunities.”

Organisations can apply for funding for projects supporting:

• • EEA Nationals who are resident in Ireland;
• • Third Country Nationals with permission to enter employment in Ireland, including people who are Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection fleeing the war in Ukraine.

The funding will support a small number of significant projects and €200,000 is the minimum grant that can be applied for.

All applications must be submitted by email to iem@justice.ie

Applications for funding will remain open until noon on Thursday 11th September.

Further information and the application form are available online at gov.ie