asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will consider the establishment of an information centre in Dublin for the guidance of young Irish people who are considering going abroad in an au pair capacity.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Au Pair Information Centre
11.
The number of complaints concerning Irish au pairs abroad which have come to the notice of my Department is not large enough to justify the establishment of a separate information centre in Dublin. The guidance and advice which such a centre could offer is already available from the Department.
Is the Minister aware of criticisms voiced recently by a priest in Brussels about the problems in Europe of Irish au pair girls? If he is aware of them, has he any plans for remedying the problem?
That is a separate question.
I am aware of this report and, frankly, I hope this question will bring it to the notice of au pair girls proposing to go out there that they should communicate with my Department, if possible, and make some fundamental preparations before undertaking outside responsibilities.
In view of the complaints which have been made, would the Minister consider sending a letter to all girls' schools pointing out the availability of advice and protective services from our embassies in Europe if an au pair wants to make a complaint against the family she is living with?
I will consider that possibility but I am not quite sure whether it would be feasible. We should like it to be as widely known as possible that this is an essential function of our embassies. It is a consular activity.
Would the Minister not agree that the best way of achieving this would be by corresponding with girls' schools for a start?
If that is feasible I will consider it.