Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

The Minister said that he looked after the most vulnerable and mentioned the emigrant services. I believe that the McCarthy group recommended a reduction of perhaps €1 million to reduce it from €15 million to €14 million, but the Minister actually doubled the recommendation and applied a €2.2 million cut on emigrant services. The Minister spoke of protecting the most vulnerable, but this is an attack on a vulnerable group of people. The Department has three groups, one of which is the emigrant services advisory committee. When did the Minister meet that committee and does it have a view on this cut? In recent years we have seen many documentaries about Irish people down and out, particularly in Britain. I would be concerned that they will suffer a disproportionate cut.

Would the Minister agree that he shied away from the reform agenda? There were recommendations to amalgamate embassies or co-ordinating and getting greater efficiencies in certain missions. However, the Minister took no steps in this regard. Does he plan to take such steps?

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