Rec'd about 3 hours ago. Carmen D. ----- Original Message ----- From: <[email protected]> To: "Chicago" <[email protected]>; "Cook" <[email protected]> Cc: <[email protected]> Sent: Saturday, July 16, 2011 6:21 PM Subject: [IRISH-IN-CHICAGO] Irish certificates of heritage to be to rolled out in October (Certs available to millions who claim Irish heritage abroad) > > > According to Irish Central.com Staff writer Antoinette Kelly, > > > > The Irish government has confirmed it will finally introduce a new > “Certificate of Irish Heritage” for the diaspora in October. > > The certificate will be available to people with Irish heritage around the > world, who do not qualify for Irish citizenship. > > Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore said in a > statement said the certificates will “give official recognition to the > many people worldwide who are conscious of their Irish heritage and feel a > strong affinity for Ireland. > > > > “I believe that the scheme will provide a practical demonstration of the > inclusive approach adopted by successive Governments to our diaspora.” > > “It will not, however, confer any citizenship or other legal rights or > entitlements to the successful applicants,” he added. > > Applicants will be required to submit details of their ancestral > connections along with the relevant documentation. > > “It is expected that the scheme will be operational by October,” the > Minister added. > > Irish company FEXCO based in Kerry has been awarded the rights to produce > and market the certificate. > > > > Labour TD Gerald Nash welcomed the move, stating the programme was “an > appropriate and meaningful way” to recognise those who are not Irish > citizens, “yet have a wish to have their Irish connections and heritage > acknowledged by the State.” He stated that he expects “significant > economic, social and cultural benefits will accrue” from the certificates. > > > > See > http://www.irishcentral.com/news/Irish-certificates-of-heritage-to-be-to-rolled-out-in-October-125605493.html > for further details. > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without > the quotes in the subject and the body of the message