The emigration of an estimated 200,000 young people and families during the past six years has caused serious damage to the fabric of society and has shattered many of the communities affected. That outward flood has slowed, with emigrants trickling back as the economy recovers and jobs are created, but the trauma, isolation and depression experienced by tens of thousands of uprooted citizens requires a generous Government response.
It may be politically difficult, because of negative publicity, to ensure that intending emigrants are provided with information on accommodation and advice regarding social networks and the cultural requirements of their host countries. But such guidance is urgently required. According to a study conducted by the Clinton Institute at UCD, emigrants and their families are arriving "woefully unprepared" for life in their chosen countries and have limited knowledge of how to get on and settle there. Financial assistance is also needed to establish support structures and new emigrant networks in place of outdated ones.
In the coming months, Minister of State Jimmy Deenihan will publish a revised Government strategy on how to better engage with the diaspora. Such an initiative has been long overdue. Change will include long-promised voting rights and representation in the Seanad. Whatever about that, the Government's ambition to sustain a positive relationship with our emigrants is of considerable importance to them and to us. Ireland has a relatively good record on its engagement with the diaspora, built mainly around St Patrick's Day celebrations. Apart from lauding the success of high-flyers in foreign businesses and encouraging inward investment, successive governments have provided generous funding for Irish community facilities in Britain, involving elderly emigrants and Travellers. In the coming years, successful engagement with the diaspora will depend on mutual trust and benefit on both sides.
Many recent emigrants harbour a quiet rage towards the institutions that failed them and caused them to move abroad. It may never dissipate. But it is important to offer discernible manifestations of concern for their welfare and a hope that they may return, if not permanently, then as valued visitors. A vibrant tourism industry supports a recovering economy. The diaspora has contributed handsomely to that recovery and, hopefully, it will continue to do so. The Government set out to establish the needs of the next generation of the Irish diaspora and how they can be supported. The findings point to a serious lack of preparation, particularly among emigrants to Australia and Canada, resulting in loneliness, dislocation from their new communities and depression. That issue must be addressed. In addition, social networking should be developed, along with communal interventions and support.