Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

It is impossible to say. It will depend on how the scheme is structured and the degree to which it will catch on. I am sure people from abroad will be interested in the flexibility that exists in this country and in the infrastructure potential it offers. It may well be that it will prove to be critically important. However, it is critical that we should launch it as a pilot scheme in order to see how it will work. In this way we will be able to test it and improve on it. The important aspect is that it will tie in the entire diaspora, regardless of whether its members are located in Australia, South America or wherever. It will illustrate that there is a connection which is both alive and waiting in respect of interest in this country. In light of the changes that will occur in the coming decade, I am of the view that Ireland could score heavily in the newer areas of development. However, the position must be tested. We are going to establish the scheme, which is a new innovation. Let us see how it will work.

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