Vol. 418 No. 5
101 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department compile or maintain a register of Irish citizens living abroad; and if, in the interest of promoting Ireland abroad, both culturally and economically, he will maintain such a register; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Department of Foreign Affairs do not maintain a register of Irish citizens living abroad, nor do I feel it would be practicable or cost-effective to do so.
Three-quarters of a million Irish people have emigrated in the past 45 years and their children also are Irish citizens. Given these numbers, and the small size of our embassies, the compilation of a register would be a hugely time-consuming task and probably disproportionate to the benefits involved. I am satisfied that the targeted approach adopted by our missions abroad and by the offices of the semi-State bodies (which involves close and regular contact with Irish cultural, economic and social groups and Irish community leaders) is better suited to Irish circumstances.
I would emphasise, however, that the promotion of Ireland abroad will continue to be a top priority of the Department of Foreign Affairs and that all suggestions as to how this might be advanced will be kept under review.
