Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

The Government is determined to continue developing and enhancing Ireland's relationship with our emigrant communities. Key advancements already achieved include the establishment of an Irish abroad unit within my Department and the significant increase in funding secured for emigrant services this year.

The Irish abroad unit continues to make progress in this important area of national policy. It is charged with co-ordinating overall policy towards our emigrants. It manages the financial supports my Department directs to the voluntary organisations engaged in the delivery of services to Irish emigrants, particularly the more vulnerable and marginalised. Its officials are active in the key areas and meet all partners involved.

In the budget, I obtained a substantial increase in funding for emigrant services for 2005. The figure of €8.27 million is a doubling of the 2004 Estimates figure. Even allowing for the additional funding made available to emigrant services in late 2004, the figure represents an overall increase of 63%. I have met representatives of our communities abroad on several occasions since becoming Minister for Foreign Affairs. I have been pleased to hear this progress is welcomed by those who provide critical frontline services to our vulnerable emigrants.

Along with the Ministers for Social and Family Affairs and Communications, Marine, and Natural Resources, I am aware of the specific issues raised by the Deputy. Regarding free travel, I refer the Deputy to a parliamentary reply to the House on 15 December 2004 by the Minister for Social and Family Affairs in which he said he was carefully examining the issues involved. I am aware of the interest of some Irish people living in Britain in seeing Irish television programmes. I will continue to keep the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources advised of the views of the Irish community abroad on this matter. The Government has a firm and sustained commitment to our emigrant communities. The progress already achieved in this important area will be built on progressively over the coming years.

See this speech in context