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Revellers in New York at the 2006 St Patrick's Day Parade Jason DeCrow/AP/Press Association Images

Confirmed: Diaspora will get 'proof of Irishness' certificate

The Government will introduce an official recognition of Irish heritage for people with family roots here, from October.

THE GOVERNMENT HAS confirmed it will introduce a new “Certificate of Irish Heritage” for members of the diaspora from October.

The document will be available to people living abroad who do not qualify for Irish citizenship, but who want their roots here to be officially recognised. Anybody applying for the certificate will have to provide proof of their ancestry and connection with the country.

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore said in a statement that the measure was designed to be more “inclusive” of the diaspora. The certificates will “give official recognition to the many people worldwide who are conscious of their Irish heritage and feel a strong affinity for Ireland,” he said. “It will not, however, confer any citizenship or other legal rights or entitlements to the successful applicants.”

It’s expected there will be a charge for users of the service.

The idea of such a certificate was first discussed by the previous Fianna Fáil/Green government after the Global Irish Economic Forum of high-powered diaspora members at Farmleigh in 2009.  It has been touted as a way of increasing economic ties with the Irish community worldwide, which some estimates have put at up to 70million people.

Labour TD Gerald Nash has welcomed the move, saying the programme was “an appropriate and meaningful way” to recognise those who are not Irish citizens, “yet have a wish to have their Irish connections and heritage acknowledged by the State.” He added that he expects “significant economic, social and cultural benefits will accrue” from the certificates.

Poll: Is the ‘proof of Irishness’ certificate worthwhile? >

Read more: Niall O’Dowd on why the Irish abroad threaten the status quo >

Read more: Emigrants give plenty back to Ireland, so why can’t we vote? >

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    Mute Eric
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    Oct 29th 2017, 4:12 PM

    No doubt started by one of the local scrotes.

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    Mute liam whelan
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    Oct 29th 2017, 5:13 PM

    @Eric: Really? Well then there’s no need for forensic fire iinvestigators any more is there? You must be a real asset to the DFB with you psychic powers of deduction!

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    Mute Eric
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    Oct 29th 2017, 8:00 PM

    @liam whelan: not much deduction required when you live nearby and you see the mobs of skangers starting fires and attacking fire engines.

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    Mute shaz
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    Oct 29th 2017, 4:24 PM

    I hope theres no homeless person(s) after taking shelter in the building. Also that all the emergency crews are safe.

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    Mute Les J Matt
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    Oct 29th 2017, 8:27 PM

    Hmmm.. a protected/listed building goes up in flames, suspiciously.
    Wouldn’t be a bit surprised if it “has to be knocked” and lo and behold shiny a new apartment block will miraculously take its place.

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    Mute Fiona Fitzgerald
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    Oct 29th 2017, 4:35 PM

    Feel sorry for anyone local with breathing difficulties.

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    Mute Danny foley
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    Oct 29th 2017, 4:05 PM

    I wonder?????????

    29
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    Mute Declan Leonard
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    Oct 29th 2017, 6:03 PM

    Formerly the home of Jerry Beades concrete of the land league…..i wonder…..

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    Mute shits ville
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    Oct 29th 2017, 7:14 PM

    @TonyF: we don’t have listed buildings in Ireland – that’s a UK phenomenon

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    Mute shits ville
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    Oct 29th 2017, 7:20 PM

    @TonyF: Technically, there is no such thing as a listed building in Ireland.
    https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/homes-and-property/restoring-your-period-home-all-you-need-to-know-1.2183789

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    Mute Paul Brierley
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    Oct 29th 2017, 7:24 PM

    Was Tommy “the torch” around?

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