Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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193. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans for initiatives and projects to commemorate and celebrate the Irish diaspora, now that there are no longer plans for a national diaspora centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10019/15]

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

The Policy recognises the important ongoing contribution which members of the Irish diaspora have made, both individually and collectively, in shaping our development and identity. The Policy commits to fostering engagement with members of our diaspora and full details on its contents can be found on

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There are already a number of initiatives already in place which celebrate the many achievements by members of the Irish diaspora abroad. Since 2012 the Presidential Distinguished Service Award has recognised persons living abroad who have given sustained and distinguished service to Ireland or to Irish communities abroad. The Certificate of Irish Heritage was introduced in 2011 to formally recognise descendants of previous generations of Irish citizens. It gives practical expression to the sense of Irish identity felt by many around the world, who may not be entitled to Irish citizenship due to the passage of generations.