Does the Minister think that the sum of £250,000, as contained in the Estimates, is adequate for the provision of emigrant services in England in view of yesterday's emigration figures which showed conclusively that emigration is still on the increase — from April 1987 to March 1988 the figure increased by over 5,000 — and because of the fact that this figure is the same as it was in 1987, even though inflation in the same period increased by over 14 per cent in England? There is now more pressure than ever on emigrant services in England because people are more aware of the existence of those services.

I do not think I was asked that question directly in any of the questions. The function of the DION Committee is to advise the Minister for Labour on matters pertaining to emigrant welfare and the allocation of the DION grant. I have met the committee a number of times and our last meeting was as recent as ten days ago. The sum of £250,000 is for the organisations involved in emigrant welfare and it is not the only money given to these organisations. In the case of Camden Town, money has been given to the CYTP to enable work to be carried out for aged Irish emigrants. I believe that £250,000 will be satisfactory to continue the same level of activity. It was never envisaged to cater for all their activities or to foot their whole bill. It is assistance given to DION so that they can allocate resources to some of these organisations.

In view of the public concern expressed by the agencies involved and also by the clergy concerning this amount I should like to ask the Minister if he could make representations to the Cabinet to have a further sum allocated from the national lottery towards the provision of these services? I think this would be justified in this case.

I already said on a recent occasion that the matter will be reviewed and I have discussed this with the DION Committee. If additional resources can be got from any location needless to say I will seek to get them.