asked the Minister for External Affairs if his attention hasbeen drawn to the statement made by Cardinal Griffin on the 18th November, 1953, when opening a hostel for Irish young men at Tollington Park, London, appealing for the support of the Irish Government for such a hostel; and if, in view of the large number of young Irish people in England and the lack of suitable hostels for them, the Government will consider making available financial and other assistance for the provision of similar hostels in English cities where such a problem exists.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hostels for Irish People in Britain.
I have seen the Press report of the statement to which the Deputy refers.
With regard to the second part of the Deputy's question, I am closely acquainted with the problems affecting the welfare of young Irish men and women in many English cities, and the issues involved have been the subject of close consideration in my Department over a long period. I am, however, unable to recommend to the Government that assistance, involving demands on the Irish Exchequer, should be provided towards the establishment in these cities of hostels such as the Deputy has in mind.
In view of the fact that we have consuls in a number of cities in the United States, would the Minister not consider it advisable to recommend to the Government that consuls be appointed in the principal cities in Britain?
That is a separate question.
Very different considerations arise in the two countries.