Will the Irish government come to the assistance of the so-called “Red Legs”, the descendents of Irish (as well as English and Scottish) people transported 400 years ago to Barbados to act as slaves? As many as 50,000 Irish people were transported to Barbados as slaves and indentured servants during Cromwell’s time; the community that… Continue reading Government to help Irish in Barbados?
Category: Irish Abroad Unit
Former head of Task Force on Emigrants dies
Paddy O’Hanlon, who headed the task force on policies regarding emigrants, has died at 65 following a short illness. Paddy O’Hanlon became one of the founding members of the SDLP after being elected to Stormont in 1969; he left politics in the 1980s to become a barrister. O’Hanlon was appointed in 2001 to head the… Continue reading Former head of Task Force on Emigrants dies
Minister Martin highlights services for citizens abroad
Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheal Martin has highlighted the value of several services provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs to its citizens abroad. In a recent statement on those services, the Minister noted that Irish residents made 8 million trips overseas. He spoke of the assistance offered by the Department, which provides services to… Continue reading Minister Martin highlights services for citizens abroad
Gov awards $1.5 million to US groups
The Department of Foreign Affairs has announced its funding for sixteen emigrant service organisations in the US, totalling $1.5 million (1.03 million euro). Since the establishment of the Irish Abroad Unit in 2004, the Department of Foreign Affairs has allocated more than USD8 million to the Irish Community Centres and Organisations in the United States.… Continue reading Gov awards $1.5 million to US groups
DFA launches charter, registration facility
The Department of Foreign Affairs has launched two new services on its website, aimed at those travelling or resident overseas. The two services are: a Consular Services Charter for citizens, called “Travel Safely, Slán Abhaile” – a document setting out the range of services provided by embassies and consulates abroad, as well as advice on… Continue reading DFA launches charter, registration facility
Irish Abroad Unit outlines its work
The Irish Abroad Unit updated the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs about their work and the current status of Irish emigrants earlier this month. Their update focused on the achievements of 2006 and their plans for 2007. Ray Bassett of the Unit spoke of the possibility that immigration reform could be passed by the US… Continue reading Irish Abroad Unit outlines its work