FG proposes Presidential awards for Irish abroad

Fine Gael spokesman on Foreign Affairs Gay Mitchell has today launched a Bill proposing to establish a new Presidential awards scheme to recognise the achievements of Irish people abroad.

Deputy Mitchell envisages a special presentation of medals on St Patrick’s Day.

“The scheme would recognise the enormous contribution made by the Irish Diaspora, both to overseas countries and to Ireland itself," said Deputy Mitchell.

The winners would be chosen by a five-person committee appointed by the President, and would reward community and public service, leadership, and inspiring achievements.

“This Bill would finally implement a key recommendation of the Task Force on Policy regarding Emigrants, Ireland and the Irish Abroad, which called for 'the establishment of an Awards Scheme to recognise exceptional or distinguished service by Irish people abroad'."

“The Ireland of the 1950s and the 1980s will be remembered for large-scale emigration. However, emigration was evident in every other decade of the last century, and even today around 20,000 people leave the country each year.

“This is only the first step in recognising the achievements of the Irish abroad, but it is an important step," said Deputy Mitchell.