Ivor Callely
Question:48 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the research or studies, if any, which have been carried out on Irish emigrants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2370/95]
Written Answers. - Irish Emigrants.
There is a large body of study and research on Irish emigration carried out by organisations and individuals. The studies are both historical and contemporary, covering particular periods of emigration and particular groups of emigrants and it would not be feasible to supply a comprehensive list.
In terms of work done in the Department of Foreign Affairs, various aspects of emigration have been looked into in recent years. For example, attempts have been made to assess as accurately as possible the size of Irish communities in different countries; ways of helping to deal with visa problems in particular countries have also been examined. Our Embassies and Consulates monitor the situation of emigrants on an on-going basis and work closely with the bodies which represent them.
The British-Irish Inter-Parliamentary Body which is supported and serviced by my Department's Anglo-Irish Division as well as by the Oireachtas produced a report in 1991 on "The Irish in Britain". The Body has also reported on issues of interest to that community such as the transfer of prisoners and extradition arrangements between Britain and Ireland. New research and studies on emigrant issues are regularly discussed in the Inter-Departmental Committee on Emigration, which is chaired by a senior official of my Department.
The Minister for the Environment was recently authorised by the Government to draft a Constitution Amendment Bill to provide for the election of three members of the Seanad by Irish emigrants. It is intended that the referendum on the proposal will be held at the same time as the proposed referendum on divorce.