Forty-first Amendment of the Constitution (Voting Rights in Presidential Elections) Bill 2025: Second Stage [Private Members]
Dail Éireann — 2026-04-30
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Emer Higgins (FG), Dublin Mid-West

I appreciate the opportunity to contribute to the debate. I can confirm the Government will not oppose the motion and will continue to keep the matter of extending the right to vote in presidential elections to citizens overseas outside the State under review.
The story of emigration from our island is long and layered. For many years, the prevailing narrative rightly focused on the fact that economic challenges and social exclusion meant that, for many, emigration was seen as the only viable option. For others, particularly more recently, emigration was a choice made under more positive circumstances. In our work, we are fortunate to witness the role the diaspora plays in carrying Ireland’s voice and values around the world.
From talking to colleagues across the Oireachtas, two things stand out. First, there is hardly a town, village or community across Ireland that has not been impacted by emigration. Like many in the Chamber, I have direct experience of family and friends moving abroad and the strange gap that exists when someone who was always around is now in another country. Second, we all share a desire to deepen the ties between Ireland and the Irish abroad.
Earlier today, in line with the commitment made in the programme for Government, my colleague, the Minister of State with responsibility for international development and diaspora, Deputy Richmond, launched the Government’s new diaspora strategy. The launch was one of the highlights of the fourth Global Irish Civic Forum, which takes place in Croke Park today and tomorrow. The forum is an integral element of the Government’s engagement with Irish communities abroad. It has brought together 250 people from 21 countries for two days of networking and discussions on the challenges and opportunities facing the Irish abroad.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-04-30/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-27T06:54:49+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-04-30