Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this Bill. I commend Deputy Seán Crowe and Sinn Féin on bringing the legislation before the House. I welcome the debate as I feel very strongly that Irish citizens resident overseas have a great contribution to make to Irish life. This debate is part of that process. We all need to open our minds to the huge positive potential of this process and in particular the great potential of the Irish abroad. I also commend those in America and other countries who were very supportive of the start of the Northern Ireland peace process. They led and delivered by supporting the talks at that time. We should never forget that in this House, even though at times many do.

I would like to see an end to the disenfranchisement of recent migrants, a facilitation of a diaspora vote in the presidential election, provision for their representation in the Oireachtas and Ministers dealing with these issues. Votes for people in the Six Counties is an important issue. This island is small enough that they should be allowed to vote in all elections, particularly the presidential election. If we are serious about honouring the men and women of 1916 we would all in this House agree on that. These are sensible proposals and should be supported.

There is consensus across the political and ideological spectrum that Irish well-being and economic recovery depend on our openness and global reach.

We all know the Irish diaspora is a vast living resource not just in terms of trading Irish products for Irish consumers but in the fact that they have another vision. They know about new markets, fresh ideas and products, branding, investment opportunities for growth and for Irish enterprise and they have professional networks. Many of them do very well in foreign countries. The Irish around the world believe strongly in being Irish and in supporting Ireland and that is a resource we do not tap into enough.

From life-saving remittances in times of hardship to The Gathering in 2013, Irish migrants have displayed a profound generosity to all their families and to the people and the places they left behind. On a daily basis, hundreds of thousands of Irish migrants volunteer and willingly assist as ambassadors for the arts, sports and culture right across the island. The Irish abroad contribute economically, boost Ireland's influence and enrich Irish culture. The Irish Government should recognise that it is in its interest to engage and sustain the diaspora.

It is very important that we give strong consideration to this proposal. The Central Statistics Office reports that Ireland has lost some 300,000 citizens in the past four years, mostly adults. An estimated 420 were arriving in England each week in the highest level of migration in 22 years. Among the recent Irish emigrants aged between 25 and 34, more than 60% were graduates. Education and training, paid for by the Irish taxpayer, are in danger of being lost to the country. These are all the positives of what is behind the debate on this legislation. We need to open our minds and support this Bill. I urge all Deputies to do so and I welcome that the Government is not opposing the Bill at this point.

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