Up to €34 million by 2005 should be spent on Irish emigrants according to a report published today by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Brian Cowen.
The task force report - Ireland and the Irish abroadhighlights the need for a 500 per cent increase in emigrant aid.
The report recommends housing and care for emigrants who cannot afford to return home, and says funding should be provided for a ‘Holiday in Ireland’ scheme for elderly Irish living abroad to retain links with relatives and friends in Ireland.
It also proposes the establishment of a new Agency for the Irish Abroad under the aegis of the Department of Foreign Affairs to coordinate the provision of services for Irish emigrants and Irish communities abroad.
One of the objectives of the report is to ensure as far as possible that Irish people who emigrate do so voluntarily and are prepared to live independently in different societies. A plan to include a module on education for independent living in the school curriculum has also been recommended.
Mayo Independent TD and a founder of the Safe Home emigrant repatriation centre, Dr Jerry Cowley, who made a submission to the task force, said the emigrant generation "gave us far more than the EU ever gave us", and many of these people are now living in poor economic circumstances.
The report will now go before Cabinet for a decision on funding.
