A Call to Participate in Global Irish Surveys?

As the current Diaspora Strategy approaches its expiration at the end of this year, the timing of these surveys is crucial. The insights gathered will directly influence how Ireland engages with and supports its global family in the years to come, aligning with commitments outlined in the Programme for Government.

Why Your Voice Matters: Informing the Next Diaspora Strategy

The DFAT’s motivation behind these surveys is clear: to genuinely understand the issues of importance to Irish communities overseas. This isn’t just about reaching out to those who have long lived abroad; it’s also a vital opportunity for those who have recently returned to Ireland to share their experiences and perspectives. The aim is to create a comprehensive picture that accurately reflects the diverse needs and interests of the contemporary Irish diaspora.

Furthermore, these Global Irish Surveys are designed to establish a crucial baseline for future data collection. The intention is to roll out similar surveys on a regular basis, building a longitudinal understanding of the evolving interests and issues deemed important by Irish communities worldwide. This forward-thinking approach will ensure that future strategies remain dynamic and responsive to the needs of a constantly changing global Irish landscape.

Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, underscored the significance of this initiative during his recent visit to London on Monday, July 7. This trip marked the latest in a series of consultations with Irish communities around the world, all part of the Government’s commitment to deliver a robust new Diaspora Strategy.

“Over the last six months, I have heard firsthand from many remarkable members of our diaspora on the challenges and opportunities of being Irish overseas,” Minister Richmond stated ahead of the launch. “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.”

How to Participate: Your Opportunity to Contribute

The Global Irish Surveys are meticulously designed to gather input from various segments of the Irish community, both at home and abroad. Participation is straightforward, anonymous, and time-efficient, making it easy for individuals and organisations to contribute their valuable insights.

The Global Irish Survey for Individuals

This particular survey is tailored for all individuals – whether residing in Ireland or overseas – who wish to contribute their personal perspectives to the development of Ireland’s next Diaspora Strategy. It’s a chance to share your lived experiences, your connections to Ireland, and your thoughts on how the government can best support the global Irish.

The survey is accessible online and is designed to be completed in approximately ten minutes. To ensure a broad range of voices are heard, the deadline for completion is August 31. This anonymity is a key aspect, as the DFAT notes that it will take all reasonable and necessary precautions to preserve the confidentiality of personal data and the anonymity of data subjects. All data collected will be used solely for the purpose of informing the next national diaspora strategy, adhering strictly to DFAT data protection principles.

The Global Irish Survey for Organisations

Recognizing the vital role of community and diaspora organizations, a separate survey has been launched specifically for leaders of organizations engaging the Irish diaspora, both at home and abroad. This survey provides a platform for these organizations to contribute to the strategy from their unique institutional perspective, highlighting collective challenges, successes, and areas for future collaboration.

Like the individual survey, this organizational survey is also accessible online, anonymous, and estimated to take ten minutes to complete. The deadline for submissions is also August 31.

The Global Irish Position Paper Submission

For individuals or organizations with more detailed insights or policy recommendations that extend beyond the scope of the surveys, the Global Irish Position Paper Submission tool offers an additional avenue for contribution. This allows for the submission of a policy reflection paper, with a maximum length of two pages, to share more in-depth ideas or insights.

These papers can be submitted directly to GIS2025@thediasporainstitute.com, with the same deadline of August 31. This option ensures that nuanced and comprehensive proposals can be fully considered in the strategy’s development.

Minister Richmond’s Global Outreach: Listening to the Diaspora

Minister Richmond’s commitment to engaging directly with the diaspora is evident in his extensive travel schedule. His London visit was not just about launching the surveys; it also included a consultation on the new strategy with a broad cross-section of the Irish community in the South of England and Wales. Attendees represented various sectors, including business, sport, culture, academia, community care, and leaders of Irish centres and diaspora organizations.

“I am always pleased at the positive approach these conversations take,” the Minister remarked. “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.”

Minister Richmond emphasized the importance of hearing from a diverse range of voices within the diaspora. “I have had a chance to hear from Irish-born, second or third generation Irish, underrepresented groups 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.” This inclusive approach seeks to ensure that the new strategy truly reflects the multifaceted nature of Ireland’s global family, moving beyond traditional definitions of what it means to be Irish abroad.

The Minister also highlighted the significant economic potential inherent in the global Irish network. “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,” he noted. “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.”

Beyond London, Minister Richmond has already engaged with representatives of the Irish community in various global hubs, including Nairobi, Brussels, Boston, Philadelphia, Manchester, and Glasgow. In the weeks and months ahead, he is set to host further sessions in the Middle East, across the US and Canada, and with key stakeholders at home in Ireland. This extensive outreach underscores the Irish Government’s dedication to creating a truly representative and impactful Diaspora Strategy.

Looking Ahead: A Strategy for a Contemporary Diaspora

The launch of these Global Irish Surveys marks a critical phase in the development of Ireland’s next Diaspora Strategy. It’s a proactive and inclusive approach to policymaking, recognizing that the strength of a nation is often intrinsically linked to its connections with its citizens and friends around the world. By actively encouraging Irish at home and abroad to participate in these new surveys, the Irish Government is laying the groundwork for a strategy that is not only well-informed but also truly reflective of the contemporary diaspora’s needs, aspirations, and immense potential. Your contribution is vital to shaping this important future.