We are losing a generation of key Construction Workers and Public Sector workers who we need to take care of the sick and build homes for the future. This government and its predecessor have overseen a mass exodus of skilled workers from our shores – construction workers, doctors and nurses, all of whom are essential to Ireland’s future.
Operation Shamrock is an initiative by Aontú to put in place effective incentives and support for Irish emigrants in key sectors to come home. Many respondents to surveys relating to leaving home for a life abroad have referred to working conditions (doctors and nurses) and rates of pay.
34,700 Irish citizens emigrated in the 12 months to April 2024, which was the highest since the year to April 2015. This signifies an ongoing trend of Irish people leaving home for better prospects across the globe.
The Irish health service has lost a generation of nurses. Almost 13,000 nursing or midwifery staff have applied for their CCPS in the last five years, a document required to show competence before moving roles to another jurisdiction. The vast majority of those who have applied have been general nurses, but there have also been applications from almost 500 midwives.
The HSE allowance for those seeking to come home is measly in comparison to what some Australian health providers are offering to entice Irish workers there. The HSE allowance is payable towards vouched accommodation and flight expenses up to a combined total amount of €4,160 for candidates relocating from the EU / Britain and €4,710 for candidates relocating from non-EU countries.
The HSE do not know how many doctors or nurses came home and availed of this scheme.
In relation to construction workers, essential if we are to build anywhere near enough homes for the future, the government do not know how many construction workers have left Ireland, and does not keep records as to how many of these have returned.
There are no direct financial incentives for construction workers to return home. The only effort the government have made to bring construction workers home has been a targeted international social media campaign in October 2024 focused in Australia and Canada, which cost €170k in total. Yet, Ministers did not carry out any evaluation as to whether it actually made any difference.
Aontú recognise that there are practical barriers in place that stop those who want to come home in the form of recognition of qualifications, housing and incentives. Our policy document seeks to address these and give Irish essential workers a reason to come home and contribute once more to the future of their country.
READ OUR POLICY DOCUMENT HERE
