Irish expatriates find strong pull towards homeland; require additional incentives to resettle in Ireland
In a world where people are constantly on the move, the story of the Irish diaspora is a poignant one. The complex relationship between Ireland and emigration is a topic that has been discussed for centuries, and it continues to be a significant issue today.
The Irish have a long tradition of emigration, but also a tradition of returning home. This was evident in the case of a woman who recently made the journey from Australia to Ireland, a move that was a reversal of what her great-grandfather had done. She emigrated to Australia two years ago, but her decision was made with the knowledge that she could potentially return to Ireland if the new life didn't seem right in the long term.
One of the most compelling reasons for this return to Ireland is the creation of families. A man named Jonathan, who relocated to Ireland, is a testament to this. His decision to move resulted in four children who wouldn't have existed otherwise. Another man, who was Jonathan's grandson, left Tipperary for London, returned to Ireland in the early 1970s with his Irish wife and five British-born children, despite economic downturn suggesting his choice was more rooted in a sense of belonging than any financial incentive.
However, encouraging the return of emigrated Irish people has been a challenge for the Irish government. Despite many wanting to go home, Ireland has had difficulty in the past incentivizing the return of its emigrants. The goal of the Irish government is to promote the reintegration of the Irish diaspora by creating favorable conditions and opportunities in Ireland, such as improving economic prospects, supporting cultural connections, and facilitating relocation processes.
The Central Statistics Office recently released new figures showing that 13,500 people left Ireland for Australia in the 12 months to April this year, which is a 27% increase from the previous year. Most Irish people who move to Australia come initially on a working holiday visa. However, the Australian visa system is complex and forbidding, making it a difficult prospect for some emigrants to return to Ireland.
Life can be easier, more comfortable, and cheaper elsewhere, making it a difficult decision for some emigrants to return to Ireland. This is a sentiment that is sometimes met with a response of defensiveness when discussing Irish people leaving Ireland for better prospects elsewhere. However, it is important to have serious conversations about what Ireland can offer to incentivize return.
Ireland has long-standing cultural links with Australia. This connection is evident in the story of Jonathan, who was born in Australia to Irish parents, but chose to live in Tipperary, working as an undertaker in the early 1900s. His story, like many others, highlights the complex and not straightforward relationship between Ireland and emigration.
As more and more Irish people consider returning home, it is crucial for Ireland to think about what it is that people are coming home to. The author suggests that Ireland needs to promote serious conversation about incentivizing return, ensuring that Ireland remains a welcoming and attractive destination for its diaspora.
