Emigration minister proposal from clergy

The Government has been urged to appoint a minister for Irish emigrants by the Episcopal Council for Emigrants.

Bishop John Kirby, who heads the council, said a political response was needed because the scourge of emigrating affected every family.

And, he said, ministers travelling abroad for the annual St Patrick’s Day celebration should always ensure they meet with Irish emigrants and chaplaincies.

“Such an initiative would have a dual human benefit: we in Ireland would be reminded of the plight which faces our emigrants and our emigrants would be reminded that support exists for them at home,” he said.

According to the CSO, in the year ending Apr 2011, 40,200 Irish nationals emigrated, up 45% from the same period a year earlier and triple the level three years earlier.

The bishop said they chose to launch their Irish emigrant pack just before St Patrick’s Day because the country’s beloved patron saint was a migrant.

The pack will be available on www.catholicbishops.ie and in parishes in advance of St Patrick’s Day.

It will also be available at ferry ports and airports.