Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 119: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the establishment of a chair of Irish migration studies at a suitable location, at home or abroad, in order to function as an archive of migration research, encourage studies of the Irish diaspora, and facilitate a wider understanding of the experience of the Irish abroad over the centuries. [18646/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

This is an idea which would impact upon a wide range of interested parties, including my Department. In the first instance, however, the funding of academic disciplines in Irish universities, broadly speaking, is a matter for the Higher Education Authority and the Department of Education and Science.

In April, I called for a national debate on Ireland's attitude to our Diaspora at a conference on the Diaspora which I hosted in Dublin Castle. The conference provided an opportunity to launch a review of our approach to our community across the globe and, where necessary, reshape our policies in this key area. A centre or a hub for migration studies was among the ideas raised. Participants included representatives of industry, academic bodies, State agencies and public officials.

The Economic and Social Research Institute has carried out research in the area of migration studies, with the focus on return and inward migration more than on Irish emigrants living abroad. Another expert body, the National Economic and Social Council, has also tasked academics to carry out research into the social and economic effects of return and inward migration.

The Irish Abroad Unit in my Department has commenced a series of meetings with the universities to examine ways in which their experience and resources might be utilised by the Government in developing our policy in this area. The Unit will also seek to draw up an audit of any relevant research or work on the diaspora which may have been carried out overseas, including in the United States and Australia. The situation can be further reviewed in light of this work. I would emphasise, however, that the absolute priority focus of the Unit is on the provision of support and services to our vulnerable citizens overseas, especially in Britain but also including the undocumented in the United States.