Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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20. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the implementation of the recommendations in the report on addressing barriers faced by returning Irish emigrants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40769/19]

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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The Interdepartmental Committee on the Irish Abroad has been focussed on the implementation, where possible, of the recommendations contained in the Indecon Economic Report on Addressing Challenges Faced by Returning Irish Emigrants.

Of the 30 recommendations, 20 have been addressed. Of the remaining 10 areas, 8 have been partially addressed or are pending further policy development. 2 recommendations were not accepted.

Among the recommendations that have been addressed most recently is the development of a single window information service for returning Irish emigrants. This service, which was initially developed by my Department, is now operated by the Citizens Information Board with support from my Department. Discussions between my Department and the Citizen's Information Board about further strengthening this resource and targetting the information provided more closely to the identified needs of returnees are currently underway. This service allows returning Irish emigrants to plan more effectively for their move back home.

The Interdepartmental Committee on the Irish Abroad, at its meeting in November 2019, will discuss progress made to date in addressing the recommendations contained in the Indecon Report. A report of progress will be submitted to the Government.