Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am thankful for being facilitated in this short debate this evening. In the context of the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, after almost two difficult years, it is appropriate that we should focus on the issue of the Irish diaspora. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Brophy, to the House. I wish him a renewed vigour in the context of his work now, considering he probably was not engaged in the type of travel over the past two years that he might otherwise have been in his role. I wish him a successful and busy year in 2022.

Similarly, the election of Joe Biden as the 46th President of the USA brought a renewed focus on the special relationship between Ireland and America. The history between our two countries is rich and enduring. First and foremost, it is a people-to-people relationship. It is also complemented, however, by deep political ties and a vibrant political relationship from local authority level, here and in the US, right up to the White House. Over the years, millions of Irish people emigrated to the USA. They eked out livelihoods there and built homes. More than 10% of the population of the USA, almost 33 million people, claims to be of Irish descent. Pre-Covid-19, more than 1.5 million people visited Ireland annually from the United States for tourism and business or to visit relatives. The strong people-to-people contacts I mentioned are also accompanied by dynamic economic and social contacts. Some 800 US firms across Ireland directly employ 180,000 people. The American Chamber of Commerce Ireland, ACCI, states that another 140,000 are indirectly employed. Equally, more than €3 billion annually is added to the Irish Exchequer in this regard.

Therefore, what I want to discuss with the Minister of State and ask him to examine are the possible elements of an enhanced package of measures on immigration, which I trust he would examine in conjunction with his Government colleagues. I refer to a new programme, or an extension of existing programmes, to those who wish to live, perhaps work or even retire to Ireland. It would be targeted specifically at US citizens. I am calling for a package of measures for those demonstrating real and close ties to Ireland. They might be joined by a spouse or partner.

There would, of course, be conditions. The people concerned would have to be of good character. There would also be certain income criteria to be met. Equally, there would be a pathway to citizenship after several years. Let us look at the success, for example, of the various schemes which run for a shorter time, such as the Fulbright programme. What I would like to see is a bespoke residency scheme for US nationals. The programme would be US-specific and not available for the nationals of any other country.

It would of course have to comply with EU law. It would require amendments to our employment work permit schemes. We are going to be doing that in any event having regard to the shortage. I ask the Minister of State to give this appropriate consideration. Perhaps between now and the summer we can see how best we can enhance and develop that really important relationship.

See this speech in context