Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 6 Feb 1992

Vol. 415 No. 5

Ceisteanna — Questions Written Answers. - Immigrant Grant Allocation Reduction.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

1 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason he reduced the grant allocation to immigrant agencies operating in the US; and if his attention has been drawn to the many services which will be withdrawn from immigrants because of this decision.

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Collins)

I would refer the Deputy to the answer which I gave on 29 January to a similar question.

The reduction which the Government have been obliged to make in this allocation reflects the current difficult budgetary situation here as well as changed circumstances in the United States.

I am conscious that the reduction in the grant level may have some impact on the activities of certain immigrant welfare groups. However, given the reduced numbers of Irish people emigrating to the US, and recent changes in US immigration legislation, particularly the introduction of the Morrison visas it may be anticipated that over time there will be an easing of the need for the services provided by these groups.

In view of this, and given that the grants provided to date have allowed many of the groups to become better established and more active in fund raising on their own behalf, the Government believe that welfare concerns in relation to immigrants will continue to be met. The situation will however be kept under close review.