[COBOL2Java]

Some speakers at last year’s forum were critical of the disconnection between Ireland and members of the diaspora, particularly those unable to qualify for citizenship by virtue of having a parent or grandparent born in Ireland. The forum also highlighted the role the emigrant network could play in helping Ireland improve its economic fortunes.

That last sentence reveals the real motivation behind this.

[kalee]

Sort of negates this statement, huh?

The initiative is intended to be self-financing, according to a department source. But he said it was not designed with the intention of raising significant amounts of revenue.

[bigheadfred]

The forum also highlighted the role the emigrant network could play in helping Ireland improve its economic fortunes.

I'll drink to that