Vol. 574 No. 3
44 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress made to date by the interdepartmental working group considering the recommendations of the task force on policies regarding emigrants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26721/03]
The task force on policy regarding Irish emigrants was established in December 2001 on foot of a commitment in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness to address the special needs of those Irish emigrants abroad who are particularly marginalised or at greatest risk of exclusion. The purpose of the task force was to develop a coherent, long-term approach to our emigrants and their needs.
The task force presented its report to me at the end of August 2002. The report contains many wide-ranging and far-reaching proposals. I welcomed the report which, I believe, sets the issue of emigrants in a forward-looking context and provides a template for addressing the needs of the Irish abroad in the future.
Following receipt of the task force report, I established an inter-departmental working group to consider the task force's recommendations with a view to the submission of proposals for further action to the Government. The inter-departmental working group has met on a number of occasions and I expect to receive their report before Christmas.
In the meantime, I am pleased to be able to inform the Deputy that I have been able to make provision for an additional €1 million at this stage for services to emigrants in the Estimates for my Department in 2004.
The additional provision next year represents a 33% increase in the funding provided by my Department for these services. This is a further step in the implementation of the recommendations of the task force. It confirms the Government's commitment to address the needs of the Irish abroad, and particularly those who are particularly marginalised or at greatest risk of exclusion.
I intend that the additional funds will be concentrated on improving services for the more vulnerable among our emigrants who require special assistance and support. The majority of these people emigrate to the UK. My first priority, therefore, will be to provide for a substantial increase in the DION fund next year.
