Emigrant Support Services
Seanad Éireann — 2025-03-20
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Victor Boyhan (IND), Agricultural Panel

I thank the Minister of State for the detail and his passion for this important subject. He mentioned Dún Laoghaire Harbour. He and I know it because we both served on the council where the harbour is located. It is known locally as the harbour of tears and we understand why. So many people emigrated. They did not fly; they left mainly from Dún Laoghaire and Dublin ports.
There were two key messages I am very encouraged by. The Minister of State said:
An important part of Ireland's diaspora strategy is a commitment to heal the relationship with those who left Ireland in crisis and survivors of institutional abuse. Britain is home to the largest numbers of victims of institutional abuse.
I have had that experience, as I have shared in this House. I do not like getting emotional but I can see people leaving our harbour of tears. We have to reach out to them and be there for them. I thank the Minister of State.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2025-03-20/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:53:37+00:00
Sitting date: 2025-03-20