Ms Marie-Claire McAleer:

There are many questions. I thank the members for their comments. The question on destinations that are English-speaking raise a very significant issue. In ten minutes it is very difficult to summarise a dense report, but one of the key issues that arose in the research was the need to promote foreign languages at secondary and third level so that Irish people have the linguistic skills to compete for work both nationally and internationally. An example was highlighted by an emigrant who said there are Irish people who have first-class business degrees who cannot take jobs in Ireland because they do not have the language skills. It is a very significant issue and is the reason many people opt for English-speaking countries such as Canada and Australia.

Emigration is extremely complex, as our summary of the key findings highlight. Many people go abroad to experience new horizons and access greater opportunities, particularly while young, but the limited employment options and the lack of opportunities at home were cited as the determining factor prompting their decision to leave. The question "What is an emigrant?" is interesting. The people who participated in this study regarded themselves as emigrants. Many said that if there had been work for them at home they would not be abroad, although some were more open to it than others. They felt there was a disconnect between Ireland and their experience as emigrants abroad and felt there needed to be a greater link between Ireland and its diaspora. They said it felt very much as though, when they were going, it was a case of "Goodbye and good luck," and nobody really cared what happened.

Deputy Smith touched on Irish networks and support. These were highlighted in great detail and the report found them to be of tremendous value to many emigrants. The GAA and the London-Irish centres were mentioned, among others. They provided not only companionship and networks of Irish friends, but they were also a great support for people in good times and in bad.

The Irish abroad unit funds some fantastic initiatives in host countries. I profiled one relatively new example, the Irish Canadian Immigration Centre, which receives seed funding from the emigrant support programme. The centre was established largely by people who had emigrated in the 1970s and came together to provide some support to immigrants. It provides very good information on how to adapt to the Canadian labour market, transform an Irish curriculum vitae into a Canadian résumé and prepare for the differences in the recruitment process in Canada, which has a different labour market from Ireland. It also provides crucial advice and assistance on visas, heath requirements and many other issues. Young emigrants described the service as fantastic but noted it would have been even better if this type of resource had been available to them before they left Ireland. There are many similar organisations receiving funding from the State. We recognise that an infrastructure is in place. The issue is to ensure we build on it.