Stagg wants more funds for emigrants

Seán McCárthaigh and Michael O’Farrell

Speaking at a seminar organised by the Irish Emigrant Liaison Committee in Castlebar, Co Mayo, Mr Stagg criticised the Government for not providing a significant increase in official funding for emigrant services - a key recommendation in a report on emigrants published two years ago. Mr Stagg promised that if elected as part of the next Government, Labour would fully implement the recommendations of the Government-commissioned report.

The task force report recommended a budget of €18m for such services last year, rising to €34m by 2005.