Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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394. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide details of the new national strategy on the diaspora; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41667/14]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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At the Third Global Irish Economic Forum, which took place in October 2013, it was announced that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade would undertake a comprehensive review of our Diaspora policy to examine all elements of our engagement with the Irish abroad.

That review is now underway. As part of the review a public consultation was launched and a number of individuals and groups submitted contributions including the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Senator Mark Daly who submitted a policy paper from Fianna Fáil. My Department is currently examining these submissions with a view to finalising a new Diaspora policy which takes into account the public’s views, knowledge and experience in this area.

The consultation paper is available on the Department’s website and it provides an outline of the areas being considered as part of the review.

It is intended that this review will complement the wider Review of Foreign Policy and External Relations being conducted by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It will allow Diaspora issues to be considered in greater depth and in more operational terms.

The new Diaspora policy will be launched early in 2015.