Calls for greater care of elderly follows death of man in NY

The death of a 72-year-old Irish man in New York has resulted in a new focus on the needs of elderly Irish emigrants in the US. Tony Gallagher, originally from Ballycorrick, Co Mayo had died perhaps as long as a week before his body was found in his Queens apartment. Though some press reports have… Continue reading Calls for greater care of elderly follows death of man in NY

1700 returning Irish affected by habitual residency: Times

Nearly 1,700 Irish citizens have been refused benefits under the habitual residency requirement introduced in Ireland in 2004. That year, benefits were restricted to those who had been habitually resident in the country for two years. The move was to combat so-called ‘benefits tourism’, and emigrant groups had been assured that returning emigrants would not… Continue reading 1700 returning Irish affected by habitual residency: Times

Free travel a no-go, says Minister

Extending free public transport to elderly emigrant visitors to Ireland is not currently possible, according to Social and Family Affairs Minister Martin Cullen. The Irish Independent has reported that the Minister said that despite a Government pledge to work toward free travel for emigrant pensioners, the minister said: “Legal advice indicates that it would not… Continue reading Free travel a no-go, says Minister