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The Daily PollPoll: Is the 'proof of Irishness' certificate worthwhile?
The government has confirmed that a ‘Certificate of Irish Heritage’ will be available to members of the Irish diaspora from October. What do you think of the move?…
Earlier this week, writing for TheJournal.ie, US-based publisher Niall O’Dowd commented on the 70 million people who make up the Irish diaspora worldwide, and the “incredible footprint” Irish descendants and emigrants have left around the world. He also lamented the lack of a “concrete acknowledgement” of that diaspora.
Now the government has confirmed that it’s to introduce a ‘Certificate of Irish Heritage‘ from October, which will enable members of the diaspora who are not citizens to have their Irish roots officially recognised.
Applicants are likely to have to pay a charge, and will not have any legal rights or official citizenship. They will have to prove their ancestry and links to Ireland.
What do you make of this ‘proof of Irishness’ certificate? Is it worthwhile?
Poll Results:
Yes, it's a nice gesture (820)
I don't believe it's necessary (674)
No, it doesn't go far enough (167)
have your say