Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 99: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of recommendations of the task force on emigrants that have been implemented to date in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33279/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The task force on policy regarding emigrants produced a very good report with wide-ranging conclusions, covering the full range of emigrant needs. Its recommendations were far-reaching and varied and the implementation of some of these will be, by necessity, on a phased basis over a number of years. Considerable progress has already been made, with action underway on over two thirds of its recommendations. A great many of the recommendations in the report relate to issues of continuing importance which will require on-going action from all partners, in Government and the voluntary sector, in Ireland and abroad.

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 very 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. Groups in Britain will this year receive €7 million, an increase of 61% on last year. The higher allocation has allowed us to respond positively to requests from organisations there to increase funding and to widen the eligibility criteria. While the primary emphasis of funding continues to be on supporting front line welfare services, I am pleased that additional funding has made it possible to support a number of capital projects as well as some projects of a social or cultural nature which help to foster a greater sense of community. So far this year, I have approved grants to 102 organisations, the highest number ever.

In September I approved grants of €750,000 to groups in the US, an increase of 40% on last year. I am currently considering funding for groups in Australia and Canada. This year I have also approved increased financial support for groups in Ireland engaged in the provision of pre-departure services and assistance to emigrants wishing to return to Ireland, both areas also identified by the task force as meriting greater support.

Another area to which I have attached particular priority this year is the welfare of our undocumented community in the US. 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. My Department will continue to maintain very close contact with front line organisations to ensure that the voluntary sector has an effective channel of communication with the Government. In this way we can continue to ensure that everything possible is done to help, and to advance, the interests of our community living abroad.