Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Irish Emigrants.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2004

Wednesday, 29 September 2004

Ceisteanna (162)

Charlie O'Connor

Ceist:

343 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will present a comprehensive report to respond to the needs of the Irish abroad, particularly focusing on the well publicised difficulties being experienced by many elderly Irish; the initiatives planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22302/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My interest in the Irish abroad and their needs, and my desire to alleviate the difficulties facing elderly and vulnerable Irish people resident abroad, is strong and committed. On taking office as Minister for Foreign Affairs, I saw the need for a more structured and strategic approach to emigration policy. I commissioned a task force on policy regarding emigrants to assess the situation better and, in fulfilment of an undertaking in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness "to address the special needs of those Irish emigrants abroad who are particularly marginalised or at greatest risk of exclusion". The report of the task force contained many wide-ranging proposals and recommendations involving the work and responsibilities of a number of government departments and other bodies. The issues of concern identified can best be addressed by a collective effort involving governmental and non-governmental agencies.

With a view to introducing a new dynamic and focus to this collective effort, I have established a dedicated unit, the Irish abroad unit, within the Department of Foreign Affairs. This unit, headed by the former ambassador to Estonia, Mr. Seán Farrell, is now functioning and will work in the closest co-operation with all the agencies involved with emigrants. I want to see the talents and experiences of all those active in this area being fully harnessed for the benefit of all. The unit has already had positive meetings with immigrant agencies on the ground in New York, Boston, Philadelphia and elsewhere in the United States.

This year I have secured €5 million for emigrant services abroad, an increase of two thirds on 2003. Most of this allocation is directed to the needs of our vulnerable emigrants in Britain. Since it was established by the Government in 1984, the Díon fund for Irish emigrants in Britain has provided more than €21 million to agencies that provide front-line services to our emigrants.

I am very conscious of the difficulties faced by elderly Irish emigrants. At my request the Díon committee, which considers applications for funding, is paying particular attention to the needs of older people and those who wish to return to Ireland. To date in 2004, €1.2 million has been allocated to services for the elderly Irish in Britain. In addition, €182,000 has been allocated to projects aimed at assisting people who wish to return home to Ireland.

The Deputy can be assured of the Government's continuing and strong commitment to improving the circumstances of vulnerable Irish people living abroad.

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