asked the Taoiseach whether he has received a letter from the Birmingham Liberal Organisation complaining about the conditions in which many Irish people find themselves in that city, and if he will state the terms of such letter; whether he has caused inquiries to be made as a result of the charges contained therein; and if he will make a statement in the matter, and on the general circumstances of Irish people living in Birmingham.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Workers in Birmingham.
The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The letter was dated the 6th instant, and its terms were quoted in whole or in part in two Birmingham newspapers of that date.
On the receipt of the letter in my Department on the 7th instant, a reply was sent to the writer, on the same date, to the effect that a primary object of the Government's policy is to promote such an expansion of the Irish economy as will serve effectively to solve the problem of the emigration of Irish workers in search of employment abroad, and it was, at the same time, pointed out that, as the writer himself evidently recognised, the duty of ensuring that proper living conditions are provided for those who emigrate in existing circumstances must necessarily devolve on the appropriate authorities in the places to whose economy they contribute by their labour.
The latest available report on the subject, from the Ambassador in London, indicates that the conditions generally, regarding living accommodation, of Irish workers in Birmingham have improved appreciably in recent years. The position is being kept under review.