John Cummins (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his advocacy in this area. Any time we get a chance to talk about the diaspora in this Chamber is welcome. We can see the value of sustained investment in our communities abroad. I had the opportunity to visit Thailand and the Philippines where I saw at first hand how our diaspora engage in their local communities and the value that they add in those countries, as well as bringing our sporting, cultural and heritage traditions to those areas. The Government will continue to support those endeavours because we see the value in it.

The Minister of State, Deputy Richmond, is also committed to reducing the barriers for returning emigrants to Ireland and there is funding in that respect from the Department of foreign affairs. The returning-to-Ireland portal on the citizens information website is very useful. I take on board the points the Deputy has raised. I will talk to the Minister of State, Deputy Richmond, on the specifics of the issue. It is important to re-emphasise the value of the programme that is in place through the significant and sustained investment the Government has made. I reiterate that the 2025-26 applications under that will be notified in the period ahead.

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