Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 387: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding his initiatives in respect of Irish persons abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32663/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Significant advances continue to be made in progressing initiatives which benefit Irish people abroad, including securing substantially increased funding for this purpose. The high priority which the Government attaches to this area of national policy is reflected in the establishment of a dedicated unit in my Department, the Irish abroad unit, to work exclusively on the issue.

Funding for emigrant services continues to increase substantially. This year the allocation is more than eight times greater than it was in 1997. In all, grants in 2005 will amount to €8.273 million, representing a 63% increase on last year. I expect to see a further significant increase in the coming year. A particular priority is the need to support our most vulnerable and marginalised communities abroad, in particular our older community in Britain. In this regard, the considerably increased funding has enabled enhanced support to be given to voluntary agencies engaged at the front line with vulnerable communities. In addition, these agencies are engaged in the provision of pre-departure services, as well as advice and assistance to emigrants wishing to return to Ireland.

A second priority relates to the vulnerable circumstances of our undocumented community in the United States. The legislative debate in the US on immigration reform is entering a critical phase. In the light of the high priority which the Government attaches to securing the desired reform, and assisted by the important all-party resolutions passed recently in both Houses of the Oireachtas, I am intensifying our lobbying efforts, including through visits to Washington, New York and Boston. Likewise, I have instructed the embassy and the consulates in the US to intensify their lobbying in pursuit of our position. The Deputy can be assured that the welfare of our citizens abroad has the highest ongoing priority for the Government.