Similar schemes worked over and over but mainly for refugees, conflict asylum seekers post conflict etc. For example, Germany used similar scheme to enable Bosnian refugees to return home once the war was over.
However, as somebody mentioned, any such schem should be entirely volountary as a lot of non-EU15 and non-EU nationals have made ireland their home in more ways than just working here (and subsequently losing thier jobs). In fairness, SW payments paid out to unemployed wouldn't even cover the basics unless a person lives mortgage/rent free and with no financial commitments so it's not like the Irish SW system has all those unemployed (regardless of their nationality) living in ultimate luxury.