Lots of news to update. For those who signed early on, please know that our media outreach is beginning to catch fire and we are now at 384 supporters! Since launching this petition about one month ago, we are averaging over 10 new supporters each day! We are still waiting for INIS's announcement of its public review process. I have been told that this process may be nothing more than posting an email address on the INIS website for the public to comment or ask questions. I am not sure if they will respond to each message sent or if, in fact, these posted messages will be made public. But I encourage everyone to send comments and questions. I will update everyone when the news is announced on the INIS website. For those who do not regularly check on the petition status, please take a little time to read some of the many heartfelt comments posted. I hope that the Ministry for Justice will also read them and know how important this issue means to many people. Irish people have a very kind character and I believe their government will listen to the voices of people both within and outside of Ireland who ask for simple consideration for rational policy changes that will benefit Ireland's economy and culture. Importantly, I heard back from my Congressman’s office today who sent someone to meet with the Irish Embassy in D.C. Interestingly, the Embassy told them that my Congressman was the only member of Congress who has contacted the Embassy to date to inquire about these new immigration rules! Is it possible that I am the only one in the U.S. who has contacted their Member of Congress about this issue? I plead with anyone looking to retire to Ireland or who otherwise cares about this issue to speak to their congressional office and ask that they make inquiries with the Irish Embassy and with any Irish American politicians or Irish American organizations that they know. If your congressional office agrees to speak with the Embassy, please tell them that having the Embassy simply pass your concerns over to the Justice Ministry is not a satisfactory response. On a positive note, the Embassy indicated that more outreach on the part of U.S. elected representatives could make a difference. The Embassy has also indicated that the Irish Ambassador to the U.S. Anne Anderson is "very interested in this issue and has spoken to the Justice Minister about it". Here is a list of media coverage we have received in the last few weeks: Recent press coverage Irish Central http://www.irishcentral.com/culture/travel/Online-petition-aims-to-end-tough-restrictions-on-retiring-to-Ireland.html Facebook https://www.facebook.com/IrishCentral/posts/10157168005740048?comment_id=10157174687350048¬if_t=like¬if_id=1470103597833282 Irish Echo http://irishecho.com/2016/08/u-s-retirees-urge-change-in-rules/ Irish Times http://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/us-retirees-to-ireland-paying-the-price-1.2742793 The Wave http://www.rockawave.com/news/2016-08-05/Letters/Ireland_Should_Embrace_Retirees.html Rockaway Point News (link not available) Recent radio coverage Echoes of Erin with Diane Byrnes WEDO - 810 AM Adrian Flannelly Show WVNJ – 1160 AM