asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the facilities that are made available in Irish embassies abroad, and in particular in Britain, to assist Irish citizens in difficulties and to provide them, where necessary, with free passage home in times of distress such as family bereavements.

Where no other channel is feasible or possible, our embassies can communicate with the family or relations of distressed Irish citizens abroad with a view either to conveying a very urgent message or to arranging for the transfer of funds to enable the individual concerned to return home. In cases where financial assistance is required, my Department endeavour to obtain a lodgement of funds from relations or other sources nominated by the destitute person. Where, after full inquiry, funds cannot be obtained and where also the case is a genuine one of a person completely destitute and the circumstances are of an exceptional nature, payment can then be made by our embassies strictly on a temporary loan basis to enable the distressed person to return home immediately.

Is the Minister satisfied personally with the service being given by our embassies to people in distress? Perhaps the reports I have received are exceptions but I have had a number of complaints that it is like trying to extract blood from a turnip to get money out of an Irish embassy by persons in difficulties. I am told this obtains even in Britain where we should have a very good liaison with the Irish embassy. Has the Minister had complaints of that nature?

I have not, but if they exist I would be grateful if the Deputy would let me know of them.