Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 127: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he and his Department are taking in order to maintain links with members of the Irish community living abroad, with particular reference to those in Argentina and Uruguay, on whose behalf dissatisfaction has been expressed at the existing level of contact. [6982/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Maintaining and strengthening links with Irish communities abroad is a key priority of my Department. Ireland's diplomatic missions and consular offices are dedicated to the pursuit of Ireland's interests and a central area of their responsibilities is attending to the needs and interests of local Irish communities. In the course of their representational and promotional work, our diplomats work closely with Irish communities across a wide range of issues, including cultural, educational, commercial and consular interests. I am pleased that the expansion of our diplomatic network in recent years has enhanced our ability to engage directly with a greater number of Irish communities.

Visits abroad by the President, the Taoiseach, Ministers and Oireachtas delegations are a further valuable tool in enhancing the relationship with our communities abroad. Our embassies work closely with local Irish communities to ensure that the programmes for high level visits include active contact with local Irish residents.

The high priority which the Government attaches to the interests of Irish people living abroad is further reflected in the establishment within my Department of the Irish abroad unit. Its officials are active in encouraging connections with our communities abroad and in strengthening links with Irish people and people of Irish ancestry. The Irish abroad unit manages my Department's financial support to Irish community organisations abroad. A particularly positive development is the substantial level of funding now available. In 2006, the unprecedented amount of €12 million has been secured for emigrant services, an increase of 45% on 2005. This is a further reflection of the Government's firm commitment to the welfare of our community abroad.

The Deputy raises the Irish communities of the southern cone of the Americas. Their distinct experiences add to the rich history of our diaspora. I am aware that the many descendants of those who left Longford, Westmeath and other parts of Ireland and settled in this part of the world, in particular in Argentina, maintain a strong pride in their Irish identity and a great interest in Ireland. I am pleased to note that the number of high level visits from Ireland to Argentina has risen significantly in recent years. The President, the Taoiseach and a number of Ministers have visited Argentina and interaction with the strong Irish Argentine community has been a central aspect of their programmes. I am also pleased that the Naval Service vessel LE Eithne is visiting Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil during March and that the programmes in these countries will include engagement with the local communities of Irish descent.

Our embassy in Buenos Aires, which is also accredited to Uruguay, maintains close contact with the range of groups and associations there active in nurturing the special relationship between Ireland and the local Irish communities. At my request, the officials of the Irish abroad unit and the embassy in Buenos Aires are giving active consideration to how my Department can even more effectively support the Irish community networks there.