We live in a fast changing Ireland where multiculturalism is fast becoming the norm. This presents us with new challenges to accept diversity and to face up to the fact that Irishness is no longer confined to those born and raised on this island but also includes those who have come to live here and those who have emigrated from here. Only this week we looked on with pride as we saw St. Patrick's Day, our national day, celebrated worldwide by Irish people – people who claim Irish heritage. Whether first, second or third generation, it does not matter – they claim to be Irish. The largest Irish communities outside this island are in the United States and the United Kingdom. Having embraced their Irishness on Monday last, are we now to dissociate ourselves from them? We cannot.