Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 29 Jan 1992

Vol. 415 No. 1

Written Answers. - Estimates for Public Services.

Colm M. Hilliard

Question:

127 Mr. Hilliard asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline the reason for (1) the 26 per cent increase in expenditure under Vote 38, subhead A5, (2) the 43 per cent reduction in expenditure under Vote 38, subhead F, (3) the 75 per cent reduction in expenditure under Vote 38, subhead C, and (4) the 60 per cent reduction in expenditure under Vote 38, subhead B, in the Estimates for the Public Services 1992.

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Collins)

The reasons for the changes in the 1992 allocations under the various subheads of the Vote for Foreign Affairs (Vote 38) are as follows:

(1) Subhead A5 (Office Machinery and other Office Supplies). The main reason for the increase under this subhead is the fact that the range of services currently offered to Departments by the Central Information Technology Services Bureau at Kilmainham will no longer be provided as of the end of 1993; consequently there is a need for my Department to invest in computer replacement hardware and software for the Passport Office and the Finance Unit.

(2) Subhead F (North-South and Anglo-Irish Co-operation). The reduction which the Government have been obliged to make in this allocation is a reflection of the seriousness of the current budgetary situation and the need to make savings wherever possible; it in no way implies any diminished appreciation by the Government of the very valuable work being done by the various organisations assisted under this subhead.

(3) Subhead C (Support for Irish Immigrant Groups in the US). The reduction in this allocation also reflects the current difficult budgetary situation as well as changed circumstances in the United States.

An allocation of £200,000 was first provided in 1989 to assist welfare groups in the United States working with the large number of Irish immigrants who had at that stage recently arrived and who were without official status. The provision was continued in 1990 at the same level. Given the fall-off in the numbers emigrating and against the background of recent changes in US immigration legislation, and in particular the introduction of the Morrison visas, the Government anticipate that there will be some reduction in the demand for existing services provided by the welfare agencies in the US and are hopeful that the reduced provision under this subhead will be adequate to assist the agencies in dealing with the situation. It is, however, intended to keep the situation under close review.

(4) Subhead B (Repatriation of Distressed Irish Persons Abroad). The 1992 allocation under this subhead is the same as the original 1991 Estimates allocation i.e., £96,000. The 1991 provisional expenditure outturn on this subhead (£240,000) includes substantial costs which arose exceptionally from the repatriation of Irish citizens as a consequence of the Gulf crisis.