Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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36. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the Government has any intention of appointing a Minister to deal with the issues of Irish persons living abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14553/14]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Article 2 of the Constitution states that “the Irish nation cherishes its special affinity with people of Irish ancestry living abroad, who share its cultural identity and heritage”. While the Irish emigrants of today are largely better educated and qualified than those of previous generations, this Government maintains its long-standing commitment to assisting Irish people abroad, especially those most in need. Primary responsibility for engaging with emigrant communities and the wider Diaspora falls within the remit of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Irish Abroad Unit of the Department takes the lead role on this engagement and administers a number of schemes and programmes targeted at and supporting Irish communities abroad, including the Emigrant Support Programme. Since 2004, the Department, through the Emigrant Support Programme, has disbursed in excess of €100 million towards a wide range of organisations and projects supporting Irish citizens and community and Diaspora groups around the world.

Other programmes that are administered by the Irish Abroad Unit include the Presidential Distinguished Service Award, the Centenarian Bounty for Irish citizens living outside the State and the Certificate of Irish Heritage.

Additionally, in recognising the continuing goodwill of Irish emigrants and that of the large Irish Diaspora, towards Ireland, the Irish Abroad Unit coordinates the Global Irish Network and manages meetings of the Global Irish Economic Forum which have taken place in 2009, 2011 and 2013.

I recently announced a public consultation as part of a comprehensive review of our Diaspora policy. This review will examine all aspects of our current engagement with the Irish abroad and the Irish Diaspora. It will recommend ways in which the Government may better meet and serve the needs of the global Irish community and improve the manner in which it interacts with them on a more operational, strategic and practical level.

This review process has commenced and it will remain open to receive submissions from the general public, until 23 April 2014. Details are available on the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Whilst I am open to all views that may be received through this comprehensive review process, I expect that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will retain overall responsibility for engaging with the Diaspora.