Seanad debates

Wednesday, 27 November 2002

Report on Immigration Policy: Statements.

 

The task force examined an ingenious idea which would help many elderly Irish people living abroad to return home. Deputy Cowley, a Member of the Lower House, has developed an excellent project in County Mayo that provides housing at affordable rates to returning emigrants. The task force has sought the establishment of a pilot scheme in the UK and I call on the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, who has responsibility for this area, to discuss with local authorities whether such a scheme could be undertaken. It is a marvellous idea. If a 60 or 70 year old Irish person is living in London, Manchester or Birmingham, has no friends and has decided to return home, we should do everything in our power to reach out to them and give them the opportunity to return to parts of Ireland that have suffered significant rural depopulation in recent years. The scheme in County Mayo is successful but we must move beyond setting up pilot schemes.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.