Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 January 2014
41. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the process and timeframe for the comprehensive review of Ireland’s diaspora policy which he announced at the Global Irish Economic Forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1893/14]
View answerThe current structures and policies for engagement with the Diaspora have been in place for some years, during which time my Department has been providing assistance and support to Irish people overseas through the Emigrant Support Programme, as well as establishing and coordinating the Global Irish Network and hosting successive meetings of the Global Irish Economic Forum to enhance engagement with senior Irish business figures overseas.
As I noted at the Global Irish Economic Forum in October, however, the face of emigration has changed. Recent years have seen a wave of new, young and largely skilled emigrants heading to new destinations as well as the more traditional ones. No matter where they go, or why, they still face challenges. So while continuing to support the older generation of emigrants, we also need to identify ways of better engaging with the younger generation. We would hope that these young people will, in the future, bring the experience they gained overseas back home to Ireland and we must examine how best to facilitate their return.
In that context, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will this year carry out a comprehensive review of our Diaspora Policy to examine all elements of our engagement with the Irish abroad. The review will build upon the success of the Global Irish Network and the Emigrant Support Programme, address the legacy of the Gathering and the needs and potential of both long-standing and new emigrants.
Consultations as part of the review will be wide-ranging, and will include Irish community organizations overseas, members of the Global Irish Network and other business figures, academia, as well as other Government Departments and bodies.
The consultation process will begin in the coming weeks and conclusions of the review will be finalized by the mid-point of this year. I will keep my Oireachtas colleagues informed of progress on the review and the implementation of any recommendations.
