Greens criticise 'stingy' attitude to Irish in Britain

The Government's attitude to Irish emigrants living in Britain was sharply criticised by the Green Party's foreign affairs spokesman, Mr John Gormley.

Mr Gormley made his remarks after the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mr Noel Treacy, said that this year's overall allocation of €8.267 million represented double last year's total.

Mr Treacy added: "Even allowing for the additional funding which was made available to emigrant services in late 2004, this figure of €8.267 million represents an overall increase of 63 per cent."

Insisting that the amount fell short of the recommended figure, Mr Gormley said: "Does the Minister of State recognise these people have contributed hugely to this country? Their absence means we have a demographic bounce, so to speak, in terms of healthcare because they are being treated in Britain.

"A great deal of money has been saved because they are living in Britain, and yet the Minister of State is so parsimonious and stingy with the money. He has neglected and betrayed these people and is turning his back on them. It is disgraceful."

Mr Treacy replied: "I am absolutely shocked. Of course, it is typical of the Opposition to suggest that if money is thrown at every problem it will solve itself."

He added that since coming to power in 1997, the Government had increased the budget for emigrants by 850 per cent. Pro rata pensions had been introduced for all those who emigrated in the 1950s, and they were now getting €72 million per annum from the Exchequer to assist them.

"If one adds that to the €8 million, it brings the figure to €80 million, which is nearly 2½ times the €34 million sought," said Mr Treacy.

The Labour foreign affairs spokesman, Mr Michael D. Higgins, said a task force on emigration had reported that these people wanted to come home. "They cannot come home to the speculator's paradise that is Ireland because they will not be able to get shelter," he added. "They need assistance."