Sir, – I welcome your editorial (August 2nd) highlighting the findings of the study conducted by the Clinton Institute at UCD that deals with emigration. This is an important study, as it officially emphasises what those of us involved with Irish emigration have been suggesting for years. At last, it is admitted that emigration is caused by dysfunctional institutions. Preparation is needed to deal with departure, arrival, culture shock, integration and the need to associate with networks at destination. To accomplish this, available objective information is essential.
It is mistakenly assumed that with the apparent shrinking of distance and effective modern communications emigration has changed.
That is so, but the pangs of loss experienced by the human heart remain, both for the left and the bereft. Migration breaks primary relationships. Unresolved loss lingers in isolation.
Emigration is the human heart on a journey of hope. It should be incumbent on states like Ireland, which cannot offer all their people work at home, to help make that hope a reality abroad and to facilitate a return if so desired. – Yours, etc,
BOBBY GILMORE,
SSC Migrant Rights
Centre Ireland,
Dame Street,
Dublin 2