asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is satisfied that all possible help is being afforded by the Government to Irish welfare organisations in Great Britain that care for young emigrants from this country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Welfare Organisations.
15.
I would refer the Deputy to a reply I gave in the Dáil on 27th May, 1976, to a question put down by him on the extent of Irish Government aid for Irish emigrants in Britain. I am satisfied that the aid given is not insubstantial particularly in the context of the present difficult budgetary situation.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, I appreciate that there are great difficulties in dealing adequately with the problem in England, but would the Minister consider keeping in closer touch, through his Department, with the organisations in Britain who are trying to care in particular for the young Irish emigrants?
We are in continuing touch with them. Indeed, part of the function of our Embassy in London is to maintain this contact and there are staff who are specialised in that area. If there is any particular problem the Deputy has in mind that in his view needs more attention, I will be glad to hear from him.
Could we try to dissuade the young people from going at all from this side?
Yes, in that respect a considerable measure of success has been achieved. We now have net immigration rather than net emigration. It is fair to say that that net inflow of people here reflects a certain continuing outflow of young people, and people who have acquired experience coming back with their children. Therefore, even with net immigration, we still have a problem of young people going to Britain, some of them not well prepared. I share the Deputy's concern that that should be minimised as much as possible and that they should be prepared as far as possible if they have to go. I welcome the work being done by the various organisations in London to help them when they get over there.