A seminar on “Emigration, new direction, new hope” was held in Dublin on 30 November. Promoted by the Emigrant Advice Network (EAN), an independent NGO coordinated by Father Alan Hilliard, head of the agency for migrants within the Irish Bishops’ Conference, the meeting was attended by many delegates who devote themselves to Irish migrants in various parts of the world. “The major economic changes that have taken place in Ireland said Fr. Hilliard have reduced the percentage of emigration from the island. However, those who intend to emigrate need to be given support before their departure and information on the risks of any unplanned emigration. For this reason it is to be hoped that the centres for the support of the Irish abroad may be increased and not run down. For those wishing to come back to Ireland, on the other hand, opportunities need to be provided to help them re-integrate in society, as proposed in the ‘Safe-Home Programme'”. Hilliard then thanked “the many groups of volunteers who, in spite of the shortage of funds, have performed outstanding work at the service of our emigrants”. He also commended the efforts of the Government’s Department for social affairs and the family “for assistance provided in the field of formation and information to migrants”. Nonetheless, he concluded, “much still remains to be done especially to create a network, within which all Irish migrants abroad may meet and thus overcome what can, undoubtedly, be called the tyranny of distance”.
