Michael P. Kitt
Ceist:39 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the proposals, if any, he has to establish a task force on the question of emigrants issues as requested by the Irish Episcopal Commission for Emigrants. [19847/99]
Other Questions. - Services for Emigrants.
Brendan Smith
Ceist:86 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the recent report of the Irish Episcopal Commission on services for emigrants; if additional financial assistance will be provided for the work of emigrant groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19076/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 86 together.
A report about planning services for Irish emigrants and prisoners abroad, compiled for the Irish Episcopal Commission for Emigrants and the Irish Commission for Prisoners Overseas, was published in May 1999. The report contains useful information, observations and conclusions which merit serious consideration by those of us with responsibilities regarding emigrants.
On the basis of the report's findings, the Episcopal Commission for Emigrants has asked that a task force representative of Government Departments and agencies and non-governmental organisations be established to develop a long-term policy approach to emigration and the needs of emigrants, an approach that would address perceived inadequacies such as the level of funding of Irish voluntary organisations abroad.
I have told the Director of the Episcopal Commission for Emigrants that I accept many of the report's conclusions and that I will consult the Government about setting up such a task force. The matter will come before the Government shortly. The amounts provided in grants to voluntary organisations serving Irish emigrants in Australia and the United States from the Foreign Affairs Vote and to organisations in Britain from the Enterprise, Trade and Employment Vote this year were about 20 per cent higher than in 1998. The Government will continue to support these organisations.
Given the concerns of the Irish Episcopal Commission and others, including the Irish community in Britain, as well as the fact that there are approximately 800,000 persons of Irish birth living in Britain, would the Minister consider it useful to make a quarterly statement to the House on the issues which affect emigrants? That might make the issue more relevant and more direct interest might be taken in it.
The principle enunciated by the Deputy is quite right. We should have more discussion of this matter in the House from time to time. I am not certain if that should be done on a quarterly basis, but a minimum of once or twice a year would be acceptable to me. It is a matter I would urge my Chief Whip to examine in consultation with his colleagues in other parties. It is a very relevant subject and I do not disagree with the Deputy.