Vol. 486 No. 6
139 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the safeguards, if any, which are in place for young people in vulnerable employment situations who work abroad or who are involved in cultural exchange programmes; the individual or body, if any, which exercises a duty of care on their behalf; and, if so, the individual or body that ensures such a duty is monitored. [3413/98]
More opportunities exist now than ever before for young Irish people over 18 years of age to travel and work abroad for a while and an increasing number of them are doing so. There are Government-sponsored exchange programmes with the United States, Australia, Canada and New Zealand under which our young people may experience the culture and ways of life of those countries. Thirteen thousand young Irish people worked in those countries for periods of from four to 12 months in 1997. Many others independently got summer work or longer-term employment or went to study in other countries, particularly in the European Union.
Irish people under 18 are still going abroad, especially to Britain, in search of employment. The relevant statutory and voluntary organisations discourage from leaving Ireland people who are not sufficiently well prepared or equipped for living or working abroad. The Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs and the Emigrant Advice Information and Counselling Service make available leaflets which contain practical advice for people thinking of going to London or the United States. Comprehensive and country-specific information about employment opportunities and advice about living and working abroad is made available by FÁS, the training and employment authority.
In addition to the assistance available to Irish people from the official social services of the countries in which they are working, advice and assistance is available to Irish people in Britain, the United States and Australia from many local voluntary Irish organisations whose valuable work is supported by grants from the Irish Government.
The Department of Foreign Affairs is responsible for the consular protection and welfare of all Irish citizens when they are abroad and people experiencing difficulties of any kind can seek assistance or advice from Irish Embassies or Consulates.
