Mayo deputy calls on government to help returning Irish workers

A Fine Gael TD has drawn attention to the challenges faced by returning emigrants in Dáil Éireann.

Deputy Alan Dillon stated, “I am raising this issue which affects many expatriates returning home, especially in light of the recent allocation of €750,000 to a scheme designed to encourage Irish construction workers overseas to return home amidst the current labour shortage in the industry.”

He informed An Taoiseach about the problems for returning Irish citizens, “Our people who have spent between five to 15 years abroad, are encountering significant challenges in accessing banking services, exchanging driving licenses, securing housing assistance, availing of childcare facilities, and even procuring motor or health insurance.”

Deputy Dillon shared a real-life example of these challenges, “Just last week, I was approached by a constituent who, after nearly 15 years in the UK, has secured a good job in her home town. However, she is unable to open a bank account due to the absence of a utility bill in her name, she cannot reactivate her PPSN as her social services card is outdated with no online provision to update it, and finding rental properties is proving to be an insurmountable task.”

He urged the government to take action, “I call upon An Taoiseach, and the Government, to commit to evaluate, monitor, and eliminate these obstacles for Irish citizens to facilitate their smooth transition back home.”

Leo Varadkar responded to these concerns, stating, “Up to 30,000 Irish citizens come home every year. If they are gone away for long periods, it can be challenging. There are things under our control that we can help with but there are more complicated issues such as banking records, etc.

"But we are absolutely keen to assist our citizens who want to move home and are moving home in big numbers.”