Vol. 418 No. 5
95 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had discussions with any of our emigrant organisations concerning the granting of voting rights to emigrants; if so, if he will outline the progress, if any, which has been achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
96 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he had any meetings or discussions with Irish emigrant organisations in the US during his recent visit there; and if his attention has been drawn to the hardships being experienced by young Irish emigrants there due to the economic recession in the US.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 96 together.
During my recent visit to the United States I met representatives of a number of Irish emigrant organisations in New York and also visited the Bronx Young Irish Centre. It was a very useful opportunity to assess the situation of our young emigrants at first hand and to see the extremely worthwhile work being done by the various emigrants organisations on their behalf. While many of our emigrants have adjusted well, there is no doubt that some others are experiencing difficulties, particularly in the current economic climate in the US. I am very conscious of their situation in considering follow-up action to my visit.
The issue of voting rights for emigrants was raised with me during my visit to the United States and I listened carefully to the points made. However, that is a matter to be taken forward by the Minister for the Environment and I would not wish to comment further at this stage.
