Strategy for Irish emigrants
Deputy McDonald asks for a strategy supporting emigrants amid mass emigration; the Tánaiste says such a strategy exists and offers to provide details.
In the last four years, 300,000 people have emigrated. Does the Government have any plans to bring forward a strategy for Irish emigrants and the diaspora now that so many of our young people are forced to live overseas? Perhaps, that is the youth employment initiative to which the Tánaiste alluded earlier.
Comment on this
I do not have a date for Mr. Justice Quirke's report. As I have said to the Deputy previously, the Bethany Home issue is under consideration by the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Alan Shatter, and the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch.
I have a strategy to support Irish emigrants abroad. I would be very happy to answer a question in detail on the emigrant support programme if the Deputy were to table it to me in my capacity as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.