Ireland's Diaspora Strategy
This is Ireland’s third Diaspora Strategy and it shares the same commitment as its predecessors to deepen the ties and bonds between Ireland and the Irish abroad.
Based on nine months of consultations and the first ever online consultation of the Irish abroad, this strategy sets out 23 commitments across five key threads:
- Wellbeing and advocacy
- Identity and culture
- Connection and contribution
- Departure and return
- Sharing our experience
Read the full strategy
Why diaspora engagement matters
Our definition of diaspora is broad and inclusive and continues to encompass citizens whether born on the island or abroad, those with Irish ancestry, and those who hold a strong affinity to Ireland, including a growing number who have spent time in Ireland and returned to their country of birth.
Much has been written on the Irish emigration experience. Its arc is long and layered. For many years, the prevailing narrative often focused, rightly, on noting that economic challenges and social exclusion meant that, for many, emigration was seen as the only viable option. However, for others, particularly in more recent years, emigration was a choice made under more positive circumstances.
Deepening the bonds between the Irish diaspora and Ireland matters for many reasons:
- The Government recognises the duty of care we have to all Irish people abroad. For this reason, a people-centred approach remains the cornerstone of our diaspora engagement.
- Many Irish and Irish-connected individuals living abroad remain deeply connected to Ireland through familial, personal, cultural and economic ties. Having heard the real appetite for engagement, it would be remiss of Government not to embrace these influential networks and vital experiences and perspectives in a mutually beneficial way.
- Supporting our communities overseas provides a platform that allows younger generations to maintain a connection to their heritage, and opens doors for those from underrepresented groups and our affinity diaspora to engage with Ireland.
Vision
Strengthened partnerships with the Irish diaspora across the world to nurture vibrant and inclusive global Irish communities, where the most vulnerable are supported, our values and culture thrive, connections are deepened and collaboration is maximised to the benefit of all.
- Continue to take a broad and inclusive definition of our diaspora that encompasses its many strands, reflective of the spirit of Article 2 of the Constitution.
- Ensure ESP funding remains focused on supporting the elderly and most vulnerable of our overseas community.
- Ensure that deepened engagement with the diaspora remains central to the Government’s Global Ireland 2040 strategy and to our regional strategies.
- Support the development of sustainable Irish organisations and networks across the world, recognising the role technology can play as an enabler of engagement and delivery.
- Enhance the capacity across our Embassy and Consulate network to support the delivery of this strategy, including through leveraging the Ireland House model to enhance collaboration with the diaspora.
- Engage with academics, researchers and policy developers to deepen our understanding of Irish communities abroad, to underpin data-driven decision-making that responds to their needs.
- Publish an Action Plan for Implementation and a calendar of engagements with stakeholders to support the delivery of the strategy
