asked the Minister for Labour if he has any intention of improving the level of support for young Irish emigrants.
24.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Aid For Irish Emigrants.
13.
asked the Minister for Labour whether he intends to expand the level of support for those engaged in the provision of welfare support services for Irish emigrants particularly in Britain and the United States of America.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 24 together.
Grants for the provision of welfare services for Irish emigrants are paid by my Department on the basis of recommendations made by DION, the Committee on Welfare Services Abroad. DION are an independent voluntary committee whose membership is drawn mainly from Irish organisations operating in Britain.
In 1988, the allocation for DION will be maintained at £250,000. Given the current Exchequer situation necessitating cuts in many areas of public expenditure, the Government regret that it is not possible to increase the allocation. In the case of the 1987 allocation, the bulk of the State grants was directed towards the improvement and development of reception and welfare services in Britain for newly arrived emigrants.
As regards assistance for Irish emigrants in the United States, the Government approach to this question was fully outlined by the Minister for Foreign Affairs in his statement during the debate on a private member's motion in the House on 8 December 1987. In the absence of a strong presence of Irish centres and other voluntary support organisations, as in Britain, the Minister's view was that the most practical help would be provided through an officer at the Consulate in New York.
Grant-aid to bodies providing welfare services abroad is only part of the Government's overall approach to alleviating problems associated with emigration. A major element of the Government's strategy is to discourage precipitate and ill planned emigration. To this end, FÁS endeavour to dissuade from emigrating those who do not have the skills, education, information and resources to give them a reasonable chance of success. FÁS are also operating a comprehensive information and counselling service for people contemplating employment abroad. This service, initiated in the National Manpower Service, includes a pre-departure information pack called "Working Abroad".
Will the Minister clarify whether DION are effectively confined to Britain and that they have no role in relation to the Irish in America? Will he accept that in recent times a number of very active voluntary organisations have developed within the Irish community in America and that they are engaged in providing support for young Irish emigrants? Some of those organisations deserve recognition. In regard to the position of individual emigrants, has the Minister seen the reported views of the institute of Guidance Councillors that more could be done within the school system to ensure that people who are ill prepared do not emigrate? Is he in a position to add anything to his remarks on an Adjournment debate on the views of Archbishop Clifford who has made suggestions in this area?
That is an extension of this question.
With respect, it is not.
The Chair decides these matters, Deputy. If he wishes to ascertain the views of the Archbishop, he should put down a question in that regard.
The Archbishop suggested different ways of improving the level of support and I just wanted to hear the Minister's views.
I agree that a number of strong organisations have been built up in New York. The Minister for Foreign Affairs is working through the Consulate with the committee and he informed me it is operating satisfactorily. In relation to my views expressed on an Adjournment debate last week, FÁS will examine some and the Department of Social Welfare will examine the others. I have been primarily involved with DION who work with mostly Irish people living and working in Britain. The organisation are working extremely effectively and will try to help people who are ill prepared for emigration. The Deputy's final point is really a matter for the Minister for Education but we have addressed the question of early school leavers.