Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)

I thank the Acting Chairman, Senator Pat O'Neill, and Senator Bacik for their words of welcome. I also welcome Senator Bacik's remarks in support of the Irish heritage certificate scheme.

Since coming to office in March 2011, the Government has repeatedly stated its belief that our diaspora can make a meaningful contribution to Ireland's economic recovery. The Gathering, the Global Irish Network, the certificate of Irish heritage, the emigrant support programme, Connect Ireland and our support for local initiatives such as Ireland Reaching Out, are central to our goal of strengthening our links with the global Irish. The certificate of Irish heritage was developed in response to a strong demand from members of our diaspora. The proposal was included in the strategic review of Ireland-US relations produced by our ambassador to Washington in 2009. The idea was warmly received at the time by the Irish-American community and endorsed by participants at the 2009 Global Irish Economic Forum in Farmleigh.

The first certificate was presented by the Tánaiste in September 2011 to the family of Joseph Hunter, a New York fire fighter who lost his life on 11 September 2001. Mr. Hunter symbolised many of the traits of our diaspora. Although not born in Ireland, he embraced the heritage of his mother and father. His reputation and honest work in his parents' adopted home continue the trend of so many who went before him. Since then, presentations have been made to a number of well known individuals, including former President Clinton, President Obama and Lord Coe in London.

Vibrant Irish communities with a strong sense of their Irish heritage across the world have been essential in helping to rebuild Ireland in the past and I am sure they will continue to help in the current environment. The certificate is an appreciation of the strong and enduring connection to Ireland felt by many people. It is a sincere gesture on behalf of the Government and people of Ireland to reach out and acknowledge both individual connections, such as those of Joseph Hunter, and also the wider connections at community level. The certificate provides an opportunity for people to engage with Ireland and discover more about their history, their heritage and the country. We should encourage those families in the United States or Australia who want to sit down together and study the census records and birth certificates of grandmothers and great-grandmothers and see what their lives were like. Applying for a certificate, either for oneself or as a gift, provides an opportunity to do this.

To date, 682 certificates have been purchased and 58 have been issued as presentations or to competition winners. Our follow-up contact with some of the early recipients has shown a very positive and emotional response, particularly as the certificate was an official recognition by the Government of the recipient's heritage. The Irish abroad unit in my Department and Fexco, which operates the certificate programme on our behalf, remain in ongoing contact on the operation of the certificate and, in particular, to increasing awareness of its existence. In response to market research, several upgrades have been introduced to enhance the process and product. We will continue to work with all relevant partners to ensure the ongoing success of the certificate.