asked the Minister for Defence whether his Department are prepared to make any money available to those institutions who had to expend money in the preparation of facilities for the accommodation of refugees from Vietnam.
Written Answers. - Vietnam Refugees.
340.
The Government decided in 1979 to admit about 200 refugees from SouthEast Asia into this country. A phased programme for their integration into the community is progressing satisfactorily.
State, State-aided and several other institutions within the community are engaged in carrying out the programme which is being co-ordinated by my Department. Various facilities are being provided by Government Departments, local authorities, health boards and semi-State bodies. It is not appropriate for my Department to refund the cost of such facilities.
Likewise, Church authorities and voluntary institutions, in particular the Irish Red Cross Society who undertook the responsibility for providing reception and holding centres at the initial stages, have contributed in several ways from their own resources within the framework of the resettlement programme. Guarantees of such assistance had been given by these bodies before the refugees were brought to Ireland and I am happy to acknowledge that the response has been of immense help in resettling them here.