Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I draw the Taoiseach's attention to a matter of concern relating to our expatriates returning home, particularly in light of the recent campaign to encourage Irish construction workers overseas to return home amid the current labour shortage in the construction sector. Our citizens who have spent between five and 15 years abroad are encountering significant challenges accessing banking services, exchanging driver's licences, securing housing assistance, availing of childcare facilities and even procuring motor or health insurance. Last week, I was approached by a constituent who had spent 15 years in the UK and has secured a good job in her home town but is unable to open bank account due to the absence of a utility bill in her name. She cannot reactivate her PPSN as her social services card is out of date with no online provision. She is finding renting accommodation an insurmountable problem. I am asking for the Government to commit to evaluate, monitor and eliminate these obstacles for Irish citizens to facilitate their smooth transition back home.

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