Michael D. Higgins
Ceist:53 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Labour if he will give a detailed breakdown of his plans to support emigrant services abroad in 1990; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Emigrant Services.
While I have certain responsibilities in relation to emigrants to Britain, the overall responsibility for all Irish citizens abroad rests with the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Since 1981 an allocation has been made in the Vote of my Department for providing financial assistance to non-statutory groups helping Irish emigrants in Britain. In 1989, the allocation was doubled to £500,000 and I am pleased to have been able to obtain a similar allocation for 1990.
DÍON, the committee on emigrant welfare services, which is chaired by the labour attaché at the Irish Embassy in London, advises me on the distribution of grants to non-statutory welfare organisations providing services for emigrants.
I understand that DÍON is in the process, by way of announcement in the Irish community press in Britain, of inviting applications for funding from the 1990 allocation. When DÍON have had the opportunity of considering all the applications received and of making its recommendations to me, I shall be in a position to decide on my plans for this year.
FÁS discourage unplanned and unprepared emigration. They have prepared a module including a video on emigration for use in employment services offices and for trainees which details the difficulties involved and the need to be adequately prepared.