The director of the Irish Bishops' Commission for Emigrants has called for the establishment of a dedicated "agency for the Irish abroad" to co-ordinate services for the diaspora.
Father Alan Hilliard said yesterday the €1 million funding allocated in the Budget for emigrant services was a minimal Government response to the recommendations, published in August 2002, contained in the Report of the Task Force on Policy Regarding Emigrants.
"The effects of postwar emigration are still with us. Let us not forget that over many years, Irish emigrants have demonstrated their commitment to this country in the form of remittances, and this income constituted a substantial part of our macroeconomic earnings in leaner days," he said. The Task Force advised that an allocation of €18 million be made for the support of Irish voluntary, social, cultural, educational and sporting bodies abroad.
Father Hilliard said that while the Commission was grateful for the €1million it was "only a start".
"Ireland must give more than just lip-service to our emigrants, they must feel supported," he said.
It was of particular concern to the Commission, he said, "that the Irish abroad, especially those who are marginalised and vulnerable, are central to future planning and policy."
