Hannigan secures debate on support for Irish emigrants
Issued : Wednesday 27 January, 2010
Statement by Dominic Hannigan TD
Speaking today in Leinster House Senator Dominic Hannigan has called for a debate on the reduction by 14% of funding for emigrants support organisations. The cut is double what was recommended on the McCarthy report and reduces the allocation at a time when emigration is rising and Irish citizens abroad are being hit by the global downturn.
Senator Hannigan said: "I know there is disappointment in emigrant communities about the proposed 14 per cent reduction in support funding. This is greater than the cut proposed by An Bord Snip Nua and very disappointing. It will mean that without a doubt, services will suffer. Already there has been an increase in the incidence of dementia among older Irish people living in the United Kingdom and also an increase in the number of Irish people being made homeless.
"The majority of the funding from the Emigrant Support Programme goes to welfare and advisory groups who deal with those at the front line of poverty. These people are often marginalised in the new community they moved to because of a lack of opportunity at home.
"These cuts will mean reduction in funding support for cultural centres, places in which first, second and third generation Irish learn about their heritage and culture. It is very important that we support Irish citizens who had to leave these shores to seek a better future abroad."
A debate will now take place on the issue after the Leader of the Seanad agreed with Senator Hannigan's concerns and consented to a debate at an early date.
