Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 91: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of recommendations of the task force on emigrants that have been implemented to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18622/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The task force on policy regarding emigrants produced an excellent report which provides us with a very valuable framework for action. Its varied and wide-ranging recommendations are best implemented on a phased basis. Many of the recommendations relate to issues of continuing importance which require ongoing action from all partners, in Government and the voluntary sector, at home and abroad. Considerable progress has already been made, with action underway on over two thirds of the report's recommendations.

Overall policy is now, as recommended by the task force, the responsibility of my Department. The high priority that we attach to this issue is reflected in the establishment of the Irish abroad unit and the designation of staff to work exclusively on emigration issues. This is an important step and one which we are convinced is injecting a fresh momentum to advance progress on all of the important areas identified by the task force.

Funding for emigrant services, which comprises the Díon fund for emigrant welfare in Britain, as well as direct funding from my Department to groups in the US, Australia and Ireland, is more than eight times greater now than it was in 1997. This year, funding for emigrant services has reached €8.273 million. This is the highest amount ever allocated and represents a 63% increase on 2004 funding.

The higher level of funding for emigrant services in recent years has allowed us to increase very significantly our financial support to voluntary agencies which provide invaluable services to our vulnerable emigrants. These agencies are active in the critical areas identified by the task force of pre-departure services and, of course, advice and support for our community living abroad. They are also involved in assistance to emigrants who may be considering returning to Ireland, another important area examined by the task force.

A particular priority continues to be the need to support our most vulnerable and marginalised Irish community abroad such as our older community in Britain and undocumented Irish people in the United States. Agencies involved at the front-line in supporting them received additional funding last year. The additional funding available for this year means that financial assistance in support of services that benefit our vulnerable emigrants will increase even more in the coming months.

My Department will continue to maintain very close and regular contact with the front-line organisations that support our emigrants so as to ensure that the voluntary sector have an effective channel of communication to the Government. In this way, we can ensure that the needs of our emigrants continue to be accorded the highest priority and that our response is effective and is developed further in the period ahead.