Diaspora connections explored

Closer links between Ireland and its diaspora are being considered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Seventy million people across the world claim Irish descent: 36 million in the USA.

The policy review was announced by Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore last October and a formal consultation paper was published in March.

It explains that the diaspora is “not an homogenous group and should not be viewed as such” as it includes recent emigrants, those with long family roots, the very successful and those who have fallen on hard times. Their legal status also varies from country to country, as indicated by the 50,000 undocumented Irish in the USA.

Links with the diaspora have helped to build the peace process, promote trade and tourism and also highlight Ireland’s image overseas.

The review is looking at the needs of different diaspora communities, how the diaspora can better support peace, economic and social development in Ireland, and the status of emigrants and returning emigrants.

The State currently provides €11 million per year in grants to emigrant support groups, traditionally in Britain and the USA but now covering Canada, Australia and the United Arab Emirates.

Recent innovations in working with the diaspora have included the Gathering, Global Irish Network, Global Irish Economic Forum and the roll-out of new diplomatic missions.

The consultation closed on 23 April but a timeframe for the final policy has not yet been set.