A New Diaspora Policy for Ireland - we want to hear from you!
News
16 May 2019
Minister of State for the Diaspora and International Development, Ciarán Cannon T.D., has launched a public consultation process to inform Ireland's new diaspora policy and we want to hear from you!
A New Diaspora Policy
Ireland is fortunate in having a diaspora of 70 million people around the world. Our relationship with this global community is something we should cherish and celebrate. Global Ireland: Ireland’s Global Footprint to 2025 – the Government’s plan to double our international presence - commits us to introducing a new diaspora policy in 2020. This new policy will guide Ireland’s engagement and relationship with our diaspora: our emigrants, our citizens abroad, those of Irish heritage and those who feel an affinity with Ireland around the world.
Consultations
The Minister of State for the Diaspora and International Development, Ciarán Cannon, T.D., has launched a public consultation process to inform the new policy. It is important that as many voices as possible are heard, from partner organisations and community bodies to individual members of the public at home and abroad. All who hold a view on the future of our diaspora policy are encouraged to participate.
Launching the consultations, Minister of State Cannon said:
“We have a special relationship with Irish people living abroad and with people of Irish heritage throughout the world.
Our new diaspora policy will seek to build on the many strong bonds of culture, family, and values which define the global Irish community.”
What do we want to know?
In a changing world, how do we continue to connect with people who feel a connection to Ireland? How can we support and strengthen the connections with established Irish communities abroad? How are Irish communities changing? How will they want to connect with us? Who are the people that we want to connect with and how do we maintain our relevance to them? These questions represent both a challenge and an exciting opportunity. We must evolve and respond to the changing needs of our diaspora communities, for the benefit of all Irish people, at home and abroad.
We want to hear your views on how we can improve our support for, and connections with, the Irish diaspora in the Southeast USA.
Please email your written submissions to us with the subject line “Diaspora Consultation”. Alternatively, if you wish, you can email the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade directly.
You are also invited to a town hall consultation at the Consulate General of Ireland from 6-7.30pm on Wednesday 12 June. Please RSVP by June 5.
