Vol. 432 No. 2
33 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the likely substantial increase in the number of Irish students seeking work abroad this summer, it is intended to provide any additional staff or resources for embassies or consulates in those countries which normally see an influx of Irish students; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The thrust of my Department's approach has been to take advance action to try to ensure that students travelling abroad for summer work are as well prepared as possible so as to avoid the type of situation which makes consular intervention necessary. Earlier this year, the Department took the initiative in organising a Seminar on Travel and Work Abroad which was attended by a wide range of organisations representing students, teachers, parents and other groups working with young people. A special advice leaflet for tourists and young holiday jobseekers has also been prepared, which I personally sent to the principal of every secondary school in the country, asking that it be brought to the attention of young people who might be travelling abroad this summer.
