19. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will report on her engagements regarding facilitating easier return to Ireland for emigrants. [38355/26]

The Programme for Government commits to reducing the barriers for returning Irish Emigrants and this work is underpinned by the Government’s Diaspora Strategy 2026-2030, which I launched at the Global Irish Civic Forum in Croke Park last month.

As part of the development of this strategy, I led the largest ever consultation with the Irish abroad, including over 27 in-person meetings both in Ireland and overseas, and the first ever online consultation, the Global Irish Survey, which received over 10,000 responses.

The result of this extensive consultation process is a strategy built 23 commitments including a specific commitment to facilitate the transition for those who are moving home to Ireland.

Central to our work will be the continued support for the Returning to Ireland (RTI) portal on citizensinformation.ie, which is funded by the Emigrant Support Programme. It will remain the key hub for information on administrative issues such as welfare supports, taxation, education and visas.

I will continue to engage with Government departments with responsibility for issues such as PPS numbers, habitual residence, matters relating to non-EEA spouses, driving license exchanges and the recognition of qualifications.

We will also strengthen its engagement with those who advocate on behalf of those returning to Ireland, particularly those working with marginalised communities and vulnerable returnees. The Department will continue to support the work of organisations such as Safe Home and Crosscare to ensure appropriate supports are in place.

Returning emigrants bring with them new skills and perspectives. We will continue to facilitate our Back for Business programme which provides mentorship to early-stage entrepreneurs returning with the intention of setting up a business.

Progress continues to be made in respect of concluding driving license exchange agreements with US states with a focus initially on New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts.