asked the Minister for External Affairs if he will consider the establishment of an office at Birmingham and other large English cities to provide advice and assistance to the large Irish populations working there.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Advice Office for Irish Citizens in British Cities.
37.
I would refer the Deputy to what I said on this subject in the course of the debate on the Estimate for my Department on 5th April last when I expressed the belief that assistance of this kind can more appropriately be given by Irish organisations in the various centres where there are substantial numbers of Irish workers. I also explained that my Department does what it can with the staff available to encourage and keep in contact with such organisations.
In this connection I was happy to learn through a representative of the Irish Embassy in London, who visited a number of active Irish organisations in Birmingham recently, of the good work they are doing in providing advice and assistance to young Irish people.
Would the Minister consider making financial assistance available to these societies to further the very good work they are doing? They are very hard pressed for funds.
We do not.