asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs in view of the serious problems now being experienced by our young people who are forced to emigrate if he will indicate the plans, if any, the Government have to provide them with advice and assistance.
Written Answers. - Advice and Assistance to Emigrants.
30.
There seem to be at least two main aspects to the Deputy's question. One would relate to advice and assistance abroad to Irish citizens who may face problems. The other is advice and assistance to those contemplating emigration.
In relation to the problem for those already abroad, I am aware of the problems faced by young Irish people who go abroad to seek work. Many go unprepared, and with no prearranged employment or place to stay. Where any citizen gets into difficulties, the consular advice and help of our embassies and consulates are available to them. In the embassy at London, in addition to the normal consular services, there is a community liaison officer who maintains contact with all Irish organisations in Britain. An officer of the Department of Labour is also attached to the embassy. He maintains links with Irish bodies which provide welfare services for emigrants in Britain.
He also chairs an advisory group which advises the Minister for Labour on questions relating to the welfare of Irish citizens in Britain, and on the distribution of a fund allocated to the Minister for Labour to help Irish welfare groups. This fund has been increased yearly by the Government from £38,000 in 1983 to £155,000 in 1986. The fund is used to assist 12 groups, of which ten are based in Britain and two based in Ireland to advise and assist emigrants.
With regard to advice to young people who may be contemplating emigration, I would draw attention to the reply to the House on 28 May 1986 by the Minister for Labour and the Public Service, Deputy Ruairí Quinn. In that reply he gave information on the role of guidance staff in the National Manpower Service in regard to people who seek advice on work abroad, on the fact that the National Manpower Service is preparing a booklet for those seeking work abroad, and on other aspects of this problem.
In addition to the steps being taken by the Minister for Labour in Ireland I can say that the consular role of my Department and its overseas officers, that is to say, their role in helping Irish citizens abroad, is one to which I attach the highest importance.