Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 11 Dec 2003

Vol. 577 No. 1

Written Answers. - Services to Emigrants.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

30 Mr. Rabbitte 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. [30500/03]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

The interdepartmental working group submitted its report to me at the end of November.

The group has generally endorsed the analysis of the task force concerning the needs of Irish emigrants abroad and the needs of those departing from and returning to Ireland. The group noted that some of the recommendations of the task force report would take some time to implement and would therefore have to be phased over a number of years.

The group considered that, if additional funding resources could be provided, priorities should include greater assistance to voluntary agencies which assist emigrants in the UK, US and Australia, with a particular emphasis on increasing their capacity to access funding from statutory and other sources. The group also supported the recommendation of the task force that resources should be allocated to promote closer co-operation and communication between the voluntary and statutory agencies involved in providing services to emigrants in order to improve the overall impact and effectiveness of their work.

The Deputy will be aware that I have made provision for an additional €1 million for services to emigrants in the Estimates for my Department in 2004. In allocating the additional resources, I will take into account the recommendations of the task force and the views of the interdepartmental working group.