asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether any consideration has been given to the opening of consular offices in Scotland, e.g. Glasgow, in Wales, e.g. Cardiff, and in large industrial cities in England where there are large concentrations of Irish people.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Consular Offices.
21.
We have always been prepared to consider the opening of offices in Great Britain outside of the Embassy in London and we have, in fact a trade office in Liverpool.
I am satisfied that the Embassy in London is at present able to offer all necessary consular protection to our citizens. I would be prepared to consider the opening of offices elsewhere should circumstances appear to warrant it.
Is the Minister aware, just to take one example of the recent incidents involving the unfortunate people in Scotland, that probably the problem which he now accepts may have been in existence for more than ten years and might not have reached the present serious proportions if there had been a local consular office in say, Glasgow? Would he agree that there is a problem in that large numbers of Irish workers in British industrial centres do not have the assistance of the Irish Embassy in London because of geographic reasons? Frequently, we hear calls in this House to help the Irish workers in Britain and would the Minister not agree that it would be a practical step towards affording such help to have consular offices within reach of these large industrial centres where there are many Irish workers, the people who most need assistance, in England, Scotland and Wales?
As regards the Scottish problem my predecessor sent somebody over from here and, arising from that visit, some years ago measures were taken to improve the situation. I and my predecessor also sent people from the Embassy in London to Scotland. I do not think you can blame the situation on that. It is an extraordinary situation where people were not allowed to talk or were afraid to talk. It was quite extraordinary in the 20th century and could not be attributed to absence of consular offices. In a discussion about this the other day I said I would consider whether having a consular office in Edinburgh would be useful and I am having that matter considered.
We talk here about immature young people going to Britain. Would the Minister agree that most of the problems of the Irish in England arise from lack of work or difficulties with employers? At present all we can do is send somebody from London as a result of a complaint, that is, after the damage is done. Had we local offices in large industrial centres it would have been money well spent. We have many consular offices through the US for tourist and trade purposes but the vast majority of Irish workers abroad are at present in Britain and if we wish to help our people surely there is a strong case for establishing such consular offices in places like Scotland and Wales?
That is being examined but I am not in a position to talk about it.
I hope the Minister will give it serious consideration.