Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)

I thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs for his reply. Some months ago Deputy Stagg and representatives from the Labour Party visited Irish emigrant communities in Britain. Some weeks ago, I also visited them with the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs. A number of issues referred to by the Minister were raised with us. Between 1955 and 1960, approximately 250,000 people left Ireland for Britain, all of whom are now elderly. When arriving back to Ireland, many are unable to rent a car for travel due to age. However, they do not have free travel on public transport. Is the Minister considering a pilot scheme to enable these Irish emigrants who will visit home during the coming summer to avail of free travel?

Is the Irish abroad unit considering the use of a commissioning structure to provide a television service for broadcasting Irish stations for Irish communities in Britain? While I welcome the 63% funding increase to €8.27 million, it still falls short of what was recommended by the task force on emigrants. Does the Minister see a special case in giving short-term assistance for capital projects as opposed to current ones? Different centres, such as Cricklewood, are kept going by fund-raising and the generosity of the Irish community. However, as a number of premises must be replaced, it is unrealistic to expect a dwindling Irish emigrant population to come up with funding for capital projects. Will the Minister examine this matter?

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