Submissions are being requested from Irish communities across the United States into Ireland’s on-line consultation for the Irish diaspora: The Global Irish Survey, the first survey of its kind.
The survey was launched by Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond as part of the Irish government’s commitment to deliver a new Diaspora Strategy.
Minister Richmond, according to a release, has been engaging with diaspora communities in a series of in-person consultations across the world, including sessions in Boston and Philadelphia. Further consultations are planned for across the United States in the coming months.
The Global Irish Survey will support this work and will provide an opportunity for members of the Irish diaspora who are not able to engage in in-person consultations to feed into the government’s new
Minister Richmond said: “Over the last six months, I have heard first hand from many remarkable members of our diaspora on the challenges and opportunities of being Irish overseas.
“However, I am also conscious that the Global Irish are truly global. I am launching the first ever Global Irish Survey so we hear from as many voices as possible to ensure our new diaspora strategy reflects our contemporary diaspora. I hope that those abroad and those who have recently returned home will share their views through the Global Irish Survey so they can have their voice heard and help shape our new policy.”
Speaking about his continued engagement with the Global Irish, the Minster welcomed the real interest among the diaspora in engaging on the new strategy.
“I am always pleased at the positive approach these conversations take. We have a shared focus on working together to support long-standing emigrants and newer arrivals and, importantly how we can strengthen the links – be they social, cultural, business, sporting or educational - between our overseas communities and Ireland.
“I have had a chance to hear from Irish-born, second or third generation Irish, underrepresented group and the affinity diaspora who through familial, work or education connections hold a deep appreciation for our people and culture. All their insights are actively shaping our thinking on the new strategy.
In an ever changing world, where the economic environment is experiencing significant transition, the Irish diaspora and affinity diaspora provide a significant opportunity for Ireland in relation to trade and investment. We know that the Irish abroad have a vast network of business contacts and a large amount of the diaspora are in very influential and powerful positions across the globe.
“This network presents the opportunity to continue to diversify and expand trade and investment links as the world economy experiences a period of flux.”
The survey can be found on www.ireland.ie and is open until the end of August.
