asked the Minister for External Affairs if he is in a position to state the approximate number of Irishmen who have left Éire since hostilities ceased, to assist in the building up of the bombed areas of England; and, if in view of the large number of men who have volunteered to assist in this work and in agricultural activities and other occupations, he will ask the British authorities to grant permission for their wives and families to accompany them if they wish to do so.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Workers in Britain.
As regards the first part of the question, I am not in a position to say how many of our workers who have gone to employment in England since hostilities ceased are engaged on the type of work indicated by the Deputy. As regards the second part of the question, the British authorities are not prepared, owing to housing and supply difficulties, to grant facilities to enable Irishmen going to work in England to bring their wives and families with them.
Where there are special circumstances, say in half-a-dozen or even in 100 cases, in which Irishmen have permanently settled down and have promises that they will be retained in employment in England, will the Minister's Department make a special appeal for reciprocity between the two countries and ask that wives be permitted to go over and bring their children with them? I ask for this concession only in special cases and not generally.
It would be difficult to make exceptions. However, if the Deputy will send on the particulars of any case, I shall have it inquired into.
I have the case of a young girl born in England——
Is there anything to prevent English families coming over and living here?
I do not think so.