Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 June 2004
130 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason for the delay in implementing the report of the task force on policy regarding emigrants; and if the maximum support will be given to elderly Irish emigrants in Britain. [18258/04]
View answerThe report of the task force on policy regarding emigrants is being implemented progressively. As I have said before, the report contains a large number of wide-ranging recommendations, which will have to be implemented on a phased basis over a period of years. Action is currently being taken on more than two-thirds of the 71 recommendations contained in the report. A special group in my Department, chaired by the Secretary General, is meeting on a fortnightly basis to monitor progress in implementing the recommendations.
I have asked the DION committee to give priority to the needs of elderly and vulnerable emigrants in Britain in line with the recommendations of the task force. Last year, approximately €1.3 million, more than half the DION fund, went to vulnerable groups. Of this, €873,000 was allocated to projects to support the older Irish in Britain, €119,000 to projects for returning emigrants, and €332,000 to projects for Irish Travellers in Britain. This year, I have increased substantially the allocation of the DION fund to €3.57 million. This will enable a further increase in the provision of support to the elderly Irish in Britain.
