This article is from page 20 of the 2011-08-30 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 20 JPG
A QUIN resident is poised to see his dream come to reality later this year when the government is expected to launch an initiative which will form a solid link between Ireland and America.
Gerry O’Neill, who has lived in Corbally, Quin, for the past 53 years, is a retired employee of Clare County Council. A number of years ago, Gerry – who is a native of Athlone – came up with the idea of presenting an official document which would certify the Irish heritage of those whose ancestors originated in Ireland.
Gerry developed a love for the US through visits to Shannon Airport while working with Clare County Council. He visited the US more than 50 times over the years during which time he developed several connections. Gerry put his idea forward to government officials in 2008 and felt it would provide an economic boost to Ireland through increased visits by those from the US.
Tanáiste Eamon Gilmore said last month that he expected the certificate to be in place by October and was in the process of being established “in direct response to a strong demand for such a scheme from those members of our diaspora who are not entitled to Irish citizenship”.
He said he believed the scheme would provide a practical demonstration of the inclusive approach adopted by successive governments to the di- aspora. However, he stressed that it would not confer any citizenship or other legal rights or entitlements to the successful applicants.
Those who apply for the certificate will be required to submit details of their Irish ancestral connections. Contract negotiations have been completed and it is expected that the process will be finalised in October.