asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will state the nature and extent of restrictions placed on the emigration of citizens, other than offenders against the law, and the authority for the said restrictions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Restrictions on Emigration.
My Department is concerned with restrictions on emigration only in so far as emigration to employment is in question. These restrictions, which were imposed by the Government from the early days of the emergency period, were intended to prevent abuses which indiscriminate and uncontrolled engagement of workers for employment outside the State might involve, and to secure the retention within the State of adequate numbers and classes of workers for essential purposes. The restrictions have varied from time to time and now apply only to the following classes:—
(a) Males in employment or for whom suitable employment here is available or will be available within a reasonable period.
(b) Males who refuse an offer of suitable employment in this country or who leave employment voluntarily without just cause or who lose their employment in circumstances within their own control. (This latter restriction operates for a period of six months from the date of event.)
(c) Males under 19 years of age (not enforced where training is offered in skilled trades or professional employment or in cases of straitened circumstances).
(d) Men whose services are deemed to be essential in this country on grounds of special experience or qualifications.
Exemptions are provided for professional persons, e.g., clergy, doctors, engineers, nurses, teachers, university graduates, as well as seasonal migrants to agriculture, fish curing and beet sugar production.
The refusal of travel identity cards or other travel documents on grounds other than these particular restrictions on emigration to employment is not a matter for my Department.