Ms Marie-Claire McAleer:

I draw members' attention to some of the key findings at the end of the report. Ms Cunningham referred to the perception that people will walk into a job when in many cases it takes between six and eight weeks to secure employment abroad. The accreditation of Irish qualifications is a major issue. I am heartened by some of the members' comments in respect of establishing a dedicated Ministry. One of the reasons for this recommendation was the representation of issues pertaining to Irish people abroad and the absence of voting. Incidentally, voting was not a major issue in our research and does not inform a substantive part of our policy agenda. However, many stakeholders have done substantial work in this field. I am aware from the Emigre study that there is significant support for extending the vote to emigrants in presidential elections.

The major issue we encountered was that no one at home was representing Irish youth who were living abroad. In that regard, no one is co-ordinating a policy response. Emigration cuts across a number of Departments. In such a vacuum, the appointment of a dedicated Minister would be a means of connecting with people abroad. The other issue is that we need young people to return. Many have indicated they are open to returning, with 39.5% of respondents stating they would like to return and 22% expressing the view that it was unlikely they would return but the decision would depend on economic circumstances. As one respondent stated, there is a window during which one may or may not return and the decision will depend on what type of attractions are available, what the State is doing and what their personal circumstances are. If we do not have data on the people leaving and do not know their profile or where they are going, how can we possibly attract them back if jobs become available?

To reverse the issue of providing information about work opportunities abroad, would it not be nice if, when an engineering position arises, we had information about an engineer who had emigrated to Canada and could e-mail him or her, asking that he or she consider returning? This option is not available without data.

The issue is one of building on current infrastructure, providing people with information and maintaining links with emigrants. I concur with the point that the most vulnerable emigrants need most assistance.