Cormac Devlin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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689. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality for an update on the work being done by her Department, and agencies under its remit, to facilitate, in line with the commitment under the Programme for Government, the easier return to Ireland for emigrants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56781/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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While the Department does not have policy remit in relation to returning emigrants, encouraging and facilitating the return of Irish emigrants constitutes an important component of increasing the Disability Sector workforce. The HSE continues to work with overseas agencies to expand international recruitment. Within this, there is a particular focus on Irish trained overseas applicants, with a relocation package available to meet vouched expenses for those who have left Ireland.

Earlier this year the HSE launched a comprehensive suite of supports to assist candidates from outside of Ireland to navigate the candidate journey through the application, selection, and onboarding process to settling in Ireland and building their future career. These supports are available on the HSE’s CareerHub portal.

The HSE also launched its first Virtual Career Fair in May 2025, specifically focused on opportunities within Ireland’s disability services. This event was open to international candidates, including returning Irish emigrants and included information on career pathways and relocation supports.