Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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667. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has held discussions with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport following his decision to cancel the proposed plan to create a national diaspora centre here; the way this decision will affect the diaspora policy, as outlined in the Global Irish document; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14951/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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On 17 February my colleague the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, announced that he was not proposing to proceed with the development of a National Diaspora Centre but rather he was encouraging local communities to develop their own unique narratives of diaspora engagement.

The enhancement of our connections to the global Irish community remains central to Government policy. The establishment of the position of Minister for Diaspora Affairs is a tangible demonstration of the Irish Government’s deep commitment to the Irish community abroad.

On 3 March the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Minister Deenihan and I launched ‘Global Irish: Ireland’s Diaspora Policy’ the first ever Policy on the Irish diaspora. This whole-of-Government policy is series of actions that, taken together, will serve to deepen our engagement with members of the global Irish community.

The main goal is of the Policy is building long term, sustainable relationships with diaspora communities by:

- Supporting Irish emigrants in making the best lives possible in their countries of residence;

- Helping emigrants and their descendants to develop and maintain their Irish identity and their affinity and connections with Ireland;

- Working in partnership with members of the diaspora to contribute to continued peace and prosperity on the island of Ireland.

There is a particular reference in the Policy to encouraging local communities to reach out and connect with their diasporas and I believe that this is consistent with the rationale which informed the decision by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport on the National Diaspora Centre.