Upcoming referendum to give vote to emigrants

Millions of Irish living abroad could be allowed to vote in the next presidential election as a referendum on the issue is planned for next year.

Diaspora Minister Joe McHugh has revealed that a package of measures to allow Irish emigrants to return home – including matching jobs skills with companies’ needs – is currently being examined by a high-level inter-departmental Government committee.

Mr McHugh told the Irish Independent said that while the priority is to give Irish emigrants a right to vote in presidential elections this could evolve to include general elections.

He said: “The French diaspora get to vote for three or four seats in the French parliament and this is something that could happen in Ireland too, but we must get the Presidential vote over the line first.”

After a three-day visit Kampala to meet Irish citizens living in Uganda, the minister said definite proposals on a referendum will be put to the Global Civic Forum next February, with a view to having a referendum “within months” after that.

He said the issue was discussed at the inter-departmental working group on diaspora affairs, which he chairs.

He added: “We received a presentation last Wednesday from officials. We need to figure out a timeframe as to how this works but my aim is to have a vote next year.

“We are driving the issue hard and the Taoiseach is very interested in it. There is an impatience on his part and his view is even to have to wait six months from now is too long.

“The Civic Forum in February is a place where we will have something real and tangible to present, which will then go to Cabinet.”

In September the minister aims to liaise with Irish companies with skills shortages that could be matched by Irish emigrants who want to return to Ireland. He added that the majority of Irish people who emigrated in recent times are highly educated and skilled, “they do not all want to come home, but those who do should be asked what their skills and needs are.”

He has had discussions with Google, Facebook and LinkedIn about developing a major digital communications campaign to share information globally on the skills needs of firms in Ireland.