asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he is taking to assist Chilean political refugees now residing in Ireland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Chilean Political Refugees.
3.
Following the events in Chile in September, 1973, and numerous representations, the Minister recommended to the Government that requests for refuge should be granted to a number of Chileans and their families who would otherwise have been imprisoned or suffered deprivation of human rights for their political beliefs. As a result there are now 23 Chilean heads of family here; a total of 94 persons including dependants.
A voluntary organisation, the Committee for Chilean Refugees, undertook in co-operation with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees the practical arrangements for the resettlement of the refugees in Ireland.
The Minister maintains an active interest in the welfare of the Chilean refugees in Ireland and the efforts made on their behalf, but the Deputy will appreciate that he is not directly involved in providing assistance to them. However he understands that training has been provided by AnCO in Shannon and Galway for the refugees who have been settled mainly in these areas, and that arrangements have also been made for a number to continue their studies at Trinity College, Dublin. The approprivate local and national authorities have provided assistance in relation to such questions as housing, education, social welfare payments, language training and advice on employment opportunities and considerable progress has been made towards their integration here. The Minister is however also aware that difficulties have been encountered by a number of refugees in finding suitable employment, particularly in the Galway area, and that the efforts to place them in employment are continuing.