asked the Minister for Labour if his attention has been drawn to the results of a survey carried out by the Action Group for Irish Youth which states that 70 per cent of Irish emigrants have less than £100 in cash when they arrive in London; that the basic weekly cost of living is £93; and the action he proposes to take in the matter.
Written Answers. - Irish Emigrants in London.
24.
I am aware of the survey in question. I understand, however, that the research was confined to young persons who had got into difficulties and had sought help from advice centres, night shelters, etc. in London. It was 70 per cent of this group which had emigrated bringing less than £100, not 70 per cent of all emigrants.
Emigrating without proper preparation and adequate financial resources is unwise and has to be discouraged. My policy is that FÁS dissuade young persons in that situation from emigrating if they approach FÁS seeking advice. FÁS — the training and employment authority established on 1 January this year, now has responsibility for providing an advice and information service for intending emigrants to ensure that, where possible, young people contemplating emigration are dissuaded from doing so unless they have planned properly, and have employment and accommodation fixed up before they go.
My advice to young persons considering going to Britain, particularly to London, to seek employment is that they should have
—firm employment prospects,
—accommodation arranged in advance,
—adequate money (at least £400),
—contacts (friends and relatives).
While it is quite difficult to meet all these conditions, particularly the two relating to financial resources and prearranged accommodation, they are, nevertheless, vital precautions to ensure that the young person's well-being is not put unnecessarily at risk. DÍON, the London-based committee which advises me on matters relating to emigrant welfare, agrees that this is the approach we must adopt to protect young Irish persons.