The Canadian Minister of Citizenship and Immigration has said that Irish immigration into Canada will ultimately benefit the Irish economy in the long-run.

Minister Jason Kenney said many Irish workers who go to Canada for work will return with greater skills and many are likely to start businesses in Ireland.

He said it had always been the experience of Irish emigration.

Mr Kenney was speaking at the Working Abroad Expo in Dublin's RDS, which is being held today and tomorrow.

Long queues formed as thousands turned up at the event.

He said emigration was not just a "one-way advantage" for Canada and he hoped many Irish people would return home to help with Ireland's economic recovery.

Changes to the Ireland-Canada Working Holiday programme were announced yesterday, which extended it from one year to two.

The number of visas available for Canadian and Irish participants will also increase to over 10,000 by 2014.