Irish abroad should be enticed home says IBEC

The Government's estimate that 270,000 jobs will be created over the next six years must be matched by a coherent immigration policy, according to IBEC. Over 18,000 work permits were granted to foreign workers last year - an increase of 300% on figures for 1999. IBEC's Director of Social Policy, Brendan Butler, says more should be done to entice Irish people living abroad to return home to fill the growing number of job vacancies here. He also says the Government must look at the potential of old people and the group of unemployed who have been unable to take advantage of the Celtic Tiger.