Fine Gael and Labour have pledged their support for representation in the Seanad for Irish emigrants abroad.
The parties today published a joint policy document on their plans for the support and assistance of Irish emigrants abroad, which gave their commitment to examining the possibility of such representation should the parties be elected into government.
Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte said an alternative government with Fine Gael was committed to implementing the recommendations of the Task Force on Policy Regarding Emigrants, including an agency to co-ordinate the provision of services for the Irish abroad and the allocation of funding to assist emigrant organisations.
In 2002, the task force said that €34 million would be required in 2005 to help meet the needs of Irish emigrants abroad. However, only €7 million was provided in 2005, with €12 million committed for 2006. The parties are also proposing that money from the Dormant Accounts fund be used to help Irish-born emigrants.
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny pointed out that the plight of the undocumented Irish workers in the US needed to be resolved, with thousands of Irish people currently in limbo in the US.
Another key recommendation is the broadcast of Irish television services to Britain, to allow emigrants to maintain a link with Irish society.
"We believe we have a duty to reach out to the Irish abroad," said Mr Kenny.
