asked the Minister for External Affairs if he will state with reference to the recent statement by the Minister for Education regarding a new Government scheme to assist Irish exiles in Great Britain whether any part of this scheme will be administered by his Department; and, if so, if he will give details.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Assistance to Irish Exiles.
5.
Advice and assistance to Irish citizens living abroad is administered by the Department of External Affairs and, as I indicated in my reply to the Deputy on the 12th instant in the case of Great Britain, improved arrangements have been made in recent years to help our citizens there, particularly those who are in need of special protection.
The education and technical training of citizens to enable them to improve their earning capacity whether they stay at home or go abroad is within the purview of the Departments of Labour and Education. The matter is constantly under review and being improved by the Government and the Departments concerned.
I assume that the help referred to includes assistance in the case of women whose husbands have deserted them and in which an effort is being made to locate them. Does that come within the Minister's province or is it more appropriate to the Department of Justice?
I think it is Social Welfare but if an Irish citizen was in need of protection for any reason that protection would be given.
I take it that the Department of External Affairs is not prepared to undertake that particular kind of task but would pass it on to the appropriate Ministry where it would be looked after.
Yes, of course.