By Georgina Brennan

Trinity College in Dublin is doing a pilot study over Christmas on those who have returned to Ireland, and on those who are thinking about it.

Those conducting the pilot believe that many who return to Ireland after living abroad encounter difficulties making the adjustment. They are now seeking the help of people in the U.S. who are returning to Ireland or contemplating the move.

On the website www.r-2i.com the study group helmed by Dr. Michael Curran asks a series of questions, probing the idea that Ireland may not be as welcoming to returning natives as once thought.

“Some of those who are coming home after a spell away are finding that the transition back to Ireland is not all that easy. So if you are a returnee to Ireland, or maybe you or your friends are just thinking about coming back home permanently, we would appreciate you answering a short questionnaire,” said Curran.”

The study is being undertaken on behalf of the Irish Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Church’s Emigrant Commission in Ireland.

The website questions are very simple, asking about age and length of time abroad as well as the reasons why it was good to be abroad and why someone is returning.