70. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will report on her Department's engagements regarding facilitating easier return to Ireland for emigrants. [50266/26]

The Programme for Government commits to facilitating the easier return to Ireland for emigrants.

Delivering on this will be taken forward through the Government’s new Diaspora Strategy 2026-2030, which I launched at the Global Irish Civic Forum in Croke Park in April.

The strategy is a result of this extensive consultation process with Irish communities overseas and includes 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. Since 2022, over 700,000 people have used the hub which provides useful 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 our engagement with those who advocate on behalf of those returning to Ireland, particularly groups working with marginalised communities and vulnerable returnees. Through the Emigrant Support Programme, we 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. Our Back for Business programme 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.