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Emigrant Services.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2004

Tuesday, 30 November 2004

Questions (243)

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

297 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the establishment of the Irish abroad unit, detailing its plans to assist Irish emigrants; his proposals to promote the services of the Irish abroad unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31107/04]

View answer

Written answers

Overall policy on emigrant services is the responsibility of my Department. A dedicated unit — the Irish abroad unit — was established last September to drive progress in this area. This important initiative facilitates the Government's efforts and relationship with Irish communities abroad. I am delighted that its establishment has been so warmly welcomed by our partners in the voluntary sector.

The needs of our emigrants can best be met by a collective effort involving Governmental and voluntary agencies. The new unit is giving a fresh impetus and coherency to this collective effort. It is promoting progress on a wide range of initiatives, which build on the report of the task force on policy regarding emigrants. It has responsibility for managing my Department's financial support for the voluntary organisations engaged in the delivery of front line advice and counselling services to our emigrants, particularly the more vulnerable and marginalised members of our community abroad. I am delighted that the funds available to support the invaluable work of such organisations will again increase substantially next year.

Four members of staff are assigned to the Irish abroad unit, which is headed by a senior Irish diplomat. Officials of the unit are active on the ground in developing contacts with the full range of partners involved in emigrant services. They have to date had meetings with Departments and agencies engaged in the provision of services to emigrants in Ireland. Members of the unit have also had meetings with organisations that provide front line services to Irish people in the USA, London, Birmingham and Coventry. Further meetings are being planned in London and Lancashire before Christmas.

The maintenance and development of such contacts by the unit ensures that the voluntary organisations engaged in the provision of emigrant services are aware they have an effective channel of communication to the Government. In this way, the Irish abroad unit will ensure the needs of our emigrants are accorded the highest priority and that our response to their needs is effective and increases further in the period ahead.

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