Aw – there is money to be made by foreign governments when it comes to genealogy. The “Certificate of Irish Heritage” is the latest in a long line of come-ons for Americans. Not necessarily a bad thing, but still a rather opportunistic move on the part of Ireland. However, it’s another way for Ireland to gain some American tourist dollars.
The following teaser if from a December 28, 2010 article at IrishCentral.com.
The Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs Michael Martin has told the Government that he hopes to have the plan for a ‘Certificate of Irish Heritage’ ready to launch in January 2011.
Irish Americans who are not eligible for Irish citizenship, those whose ancestry is further back than their grandparents are all eligible.
Several discount programs on travel to Ireland will likely be included as part of the heritage certificate.
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The idea for this ‘Certificate of Irishness’ arose from a review of relations between Ireland and the U.S. carried out by Michael Collins, the Irish Ambassador to the U.S. The scheme will target millions of people worldwide who have Irish ancestry and a strong affinity with Ireland.
It’s believed there are up to 80 million in total. Although many of these people are no longer eligible for Irish citizenship due to the passage of generations they will be eligible for the certificate.
Click here to get a competing “Certificate of Irish Heritage,” which you can get without necessarily having to prove your Irishness.
