Our submission to the recent Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Review of Ireland’s Foreign Policy and External Relations proposed the establishment of an Irish Emigrant Register. This register would act as a connecting mechanism between the Irish State and its citizens abroad, many of whom feel forgotten about once they emigrate.
The register would facilitate a connection between Irish emigrants abroad and the developing labour market in Ireland. It could also be used for other purposes such as informing citizens about relevant embassy and consular services available and passport and travel advice issues.
The establishment of the Irish Emigrant Register could be a way of getting people home and it would be a very clear way for the Irish State to tell Irish emigrants that ‘we want you back’.
