asked the Minister for External Affairs whether he is aware that large numbers of Irish workers in the United Kingdom, finding it impossible to continue to work there because of the difficulty of supporting two homes on the reduced earnings now available, are meeting with grave difficulties in securing their return home, in particular, not being afforded free travel vouchers when unable to pay fares; and whether he will consider the matter with the object of affording such Irish citizens advice and assistance in overcoming the difficulties confronting them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Workers' Travel Difficulties.
It is possible that, owing to the change-over to peacetime industry, some of our people working in Great Britain are not earning as much as before. The High Commissioner had recently occasion to take up with the British Government Department concerned the case of a number of Irish workers who appeared entitled to free travel vouchers but did not receive them. Apart from that case, however, I have no information to suggest that the Irish workers in Great Britain who desire to return home have any difficulty in doing so. If any Irish citizen in Great Britain puts the facts of his case before the High Commissioner, he will be given every possible assistance.
The particular cases I have in mind are where the individual worker, through changed circumstances, finds it impossible to continue the normal completion of his contract and, owing to financial difficulties, is not able to meet his fare and is not formally entitled to free vouchers. I wonder would the Taoiseach consider any representations that would be made to him in connection with these particular cases.
I would consider any representations that are made, but, as I have said, the quickest course would be to communicate with the High Commissioner, who will give every possible assistance.
It is realised, of course, that many of our people are working in remote areas not immediately adjacent to the High Commissioner's Office and may not always be aware of the facility that is available to them.
I do not know whether we can publicise it more. They can, of course, communicate by letter.