Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Mar 1996

Vol. 462 No. 8

Written Answers. - Emigrant Advice Funding.

Colm M. Hilliard

Question:

230 Mr. Hilliard asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment what finance, if any, is available through his Department to assist the Irish emigrant centres in Britain in each of the years 1995 and 1996; and whether the British Government provides any subsidy to these centres. [5508/96]

Michael P. Kitt

Question:

232 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the amount of funding for pre-emigration advice and counselling groups in this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5654/96]

Minister for Enterprise and Employment (Mr. R. Bruton)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 230 and 232 together.

My Department allocated an amount of £500,000 in 1995 and proposes a similar allocation for 1996 for the assistance of Irish emigrant welfare organisations in Britain. The distribution of this assistance is made by me based upon the recommendations of the DÍON Committee — the advisory committee on the welfare of Irish emigrants in Britain. These allocations provide financial assistance to organisations to employ professional workers to assist with the welfare problems of such emigrants.

As far as I am aware, the British Government does not directly fund Irish emigrant welfare organisations in Britain. However, financial assistance is available in certain circumstances from the local borough councils and health authorities there.

There is no direct funding through my Department for pre-emigration advice and counselling groups in this country. The Deputies may wish to note, however, that FÁS has a statutory duty to provide pre-departure advice to persons intending to live and work abroad. FÁS implements this policy by the provision of pre-departure migration services which include individual advice and counselling to intending migrants. Information on employment opportunities and the living and working conditions in other EU member states is available to Irish job-seekers in all FÁS offices. FÁS has trained Euroadvisors in each of its regions who, in addition to operating the EURES (European Employment Service) system, are responsible for the delivery of pre-migration advice. Such advice is aimed towards discouraging unplanned and unprepared emigration. In order to widen access to pre-departure migration advice, FÁS is currently activating local networks of statutory and voluntary sector information/advice providers.

I would urge persons intending to live and work abroad to contact FÁS well in advance of their departure to ensure that they obtain the best possible advice and assistance.