Heritage certs a welcome gesture to the diaspora
By: Daniel O'Carroll | Published Wednesday, June 23, 2010, 5:40 PM | Updated Friday, September 9, 2011, 9:43 PM
The
Irish Government’s decision to allow up to 70 million members of the Irish diaspora worldwide to apply for, and receive, certificates of Irish heritage is a move that should be welcomed by everyone involved.
It’s a gesture towards a sort of inclusiveness that’s been badly lacking where the Irish diaspora is concerned.
The ‘Irish Irish’, i.e. current citizens of
Ireland, have an unfortunate history of being somewhat snobby towards their overseas brethren, and this measure is at least a starting step towards rectifying that fragmented relationship.
The Irish abroad have been unjustly depicted as phoney, pretentious and out-of-touch by large groups of the indigenous Irish population in the past. None of these charges have much, if any, support in reality, and it’s good and heartening to see that we’re finally acknowledging these people for what they are: as proud members of our global clan.
What’s unfortunate is the reason for the issuing of the Certificates.
Studying the details of the Certificate scheme, it’s pretty clear that economics played a rather large part in the decision to go ahead with the idea.
Although nothing concrete seems to have been ironed out yet, one feature of the certificates seems to be that they’ll make their holders eligible for a variety of discounts including reduced airfares to Ireland.
It’s hard to see Ireland’s economic collapse and ebbing tourist trade as a happy co-incidence in all this.
Call me cynical, but part of me thinks that one of the main reasons, perhaps even the main reason, for issuing the Certificates was to provide a boost to our economy and tourist trade.
If that’s the case, it’s a great pity that money and not a genuine desire to reach out and acknowledge the Diaspora was the motivating factor for the decision. It would have said a lot more had the scheme been announced at the height of the Celtic Tiger, when we didn’t need the extra tourism.
In any event, though, that’s not the point to be dwelled on. We should all be happy that the idea’s gone ahead.
Irish, Irish-American or even Irish-Jamaican, let’s unite in congratulating the government for taking on this worthwhile endeavour, listening to those who criticized the longstanding disconnect between the native Irish and the diaspora, and decided to embark on this scheme and open a new, and hopefully improved, chapter in Irish-Diaspora relations.
10 Comments
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.fnfdesign | Aug 07, 2010, 09:21 AM EDT
We are all the sons of Erin. As such I applaud the Irish government for making it easier for myself and millions of others to visit our home island no matter their motives!
Mairin67 | Jul 25, 2010, 02:40 PM EDT
Again, well said, Daniel. You see this scheme for what it is but move beyond that to welcome the "diaspora" (I'm so sick of that word, btw). Either way, Ireland still reaps the benefits of an influx of tourists.
kerryman201 | Jul 22, 2010, 01:07 PM EDT
pure moneymaking tactic
Celtica43 | Jun 25, 2010, 03:40 PM EDT
I think you're right.
GeorgeDillon | Jun 25, 2010, 07:38 AM EDT
Instead of these farcical certs, I think the Irish Government should give free scholarships to foreigners to study Irish in Ireland while the language is still alive. In another generation it'll be gone.
sdmcguirk | Jun 25, 2010, 01:03 AM EDT
i don't need a piece of paper saying I'm Irish I have Grandmothers for that...
Ajreaper | Jun 24, 2010, 01:36 PM EDT
LOL, is there ever timing on the announcement of anything that pleases everyone? The why now matters very little, the what now will determine the ultimate success or failure of this "outreach". If it's nothing more then travel discounts it'll fail badly and quickly (to much competition out there sites like Expedia offer great bargains for travel to Ireland for example). The potential to make real, meaningful, long term contact with the Irish diaspora is there (the internet allows for so much and at little actual cost). Travel, Genealogy, volunteer opportunities, business outreach or mentorships etc. The possibilities are as numerous as the questions- time will tell whether good use is made of an outstanding idea.
mandokeith | Jun 24, 2010, 01:23 PM EDT
I like the idea of having a connection to my roots,and I don't mind a fee to make it happen. I just hope it is legitimate. I bought too many "club certificates suitable for framing" off the cereal boxes as a child.
Greenlady | Jun 24, 2010, 12:53 PM EDT
I agree fully with the point that this new move by the Irish government may well have been taken because of economic times, but it also makes the Irish Diaspora feel more welcome. Bravo to whoever came up with this idea!!
WoundedKnee | Jun 24, 2010, 11:31 AM EDT
They're bogus. A piece of dishonest and sleazy marketing from a country that sees only dollar signs when it thinks of its Irish-American cousins. How come it didn't happen when the Irish thought they were rich?