We should facilitate those who wish to return to Ireland. Many local authorities, however, operate a system whereby Irish applicants who are not resident here are placed down the list because of the pressing need to provide such housing for those already resident. In the same way that the social housing initiative was introduced, local authorities should be obliged to set aside some housing for returning emigrants, even in an environment where there is a housing shortage. It is the least we can do for those who wish to return at the end of their working days – and are prepared to pay for it, in so far as they are able – rather than having them living in bed-sits in London, Manchester and Birmingham or in apartments in Boston.