SIGNS that the economic recovery is finally taking hold include the growing number of Irish emigrants returning home, having lived and worked abroad for a number of years. 

Laws may have to be introduced to force graduates, who emigrate, to pay a minimum amount off any deferred fees, the authors of a report into possible new funding models for third-level education have said.

The Jobs Minister says she has not given up on a plan to lure Irish emigrants back home.

Enda Kenny has said he wants to give emigrants the right to vote for President.

Richard Bruton, the minister for jobs, planned to woo returning emigrants and plug holes in the workforce by introducing a flat 30% rate of tax for skilled workers.

Returning emigrants could provide a much-needed regional jobs boost as new research suggests a continuing division in the pace of recovery across the country.

The Government should reorientate tax incentives away from attracting high-earning multinational executives to helping returning emigrants and migrants with their relocation expenses, the OECD recommends.

Consumer advice with Gráinne McGuinness

Car insurance companies are penalising emigrants for being out of the country during the recession, according to Cork TD Jim Daly.