Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I want, first of all, to thank the Deputy for his interest and for his positive comments about the Global Irish Festival Series.

The Global Irish Festival Series (GIFS) is a biannual diaspora-focused joint initiative of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Fáilte Ireland, which is delivered by local authorities.

The scheme aims to encourage Irish people living abroad to return home to visit Ireland and provides funding and support, through local authorities, for events that tap into international diaspora networks.

The GIFS is administered by Fáilte Ireland, in consultation with the Irish Abroad Unit in the Department of Foreign Affairs, with local authorities being invited to submit detailed expressions of interest which are then evaluated by representatives of both organisations.

The series began on a pilot basis, with Limerick and Donegal participating in the 2018-19 cycle; Kerry, Mayo, Donegal and Limerick participated in the 2022-23 cycle; and following completion of the 2023 application process, Kerry and Mayo have been invited to participate in the 2023-24 cycle.

On the conclusion of the 2023-24 cycle later this year, following review and pending budget approval, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Fáilte Ireland plan to begin consultations on the 2025-26 cycle. I would very much like to see other local authorities getting involved in the 2025-26 cycle and any who are interested could, in the first instance, contact Ms. Eibhlís Maher, Fáilte Ireland Festivals and Events Officer eibhlis.maher@failteireland.ie.