New Service Award For The Irish Abroad

Speaking at the opening of the new Irish Canadian Immigration Centre in Toronto, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore, T.D., announced the Government's decision to establish the Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad. 

This new Award will provide formal recognition by the State to people living abroad who have given sustained and distinguished service to Ireland. 

Following on from the commitment made by him at the Global Irish Economic Forum last October, the Tánaiste said:  

"The Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad will acknowledge the many ways in which our Diaspora make contributions to Ireland. 

"Some engage with Ireland and our overseas communities to stay connected with their roots, others do so to be part of our heritage and our culture. 

"Regardless of the reason, their contribution is deeply appreciated. 

"This annual conferring by the President will be a fitting acknowledgement of that."

The Award will be presented by the President at an annual ceremony to no more than 10 people.

At least one individual will be chosen from the following sectors: Irish community support; the arts, culture and sport; charitable works; business and education; peace, reconciliation and development work.

The Tánaiste also indicated that the Government will consider proposals for a similar mechanism for recognizing the distinguished service of those resident within Ireland.

Addressing recently arrived Irish emigrants at the new Immigration Centre in Toronto, the Tánaiste also emphasised his determination to help newly arrived emigrants abroad and announced the award of a further grant of CAN$80,000 for the new centre under the Emigrant Support Program. 

During his visit the Tánaiste also discussed the needs of recently arrived Irish emigrants with the Canadian Minister for Citizenship, Immigration and Multi-culturalism, Mr Jason Kenney.

Emphasising his commitment to supporting all those around the world who have left Ireland in recent years, the Tánaiste said: "The Government has a twin-track strategy for addressing the challenges presented by the current wave of emigration:

First, our economic recovery is based around achieving growth and job creation.  I want emigration to become a matter of choice and not necessity.   

"Our key goal is to  create the right conditions in Ireland so that our people do not have to emigrate and that those that have done so can return to avail of real and sustainable employment opportunities. 

"Second, I will continue to ensure that those that do emigrate are not forgotten."