The Irish Government has launched the first ever Diaspora Policy entitled Global Irish. Irish in Britain CEO, Jennie McShannon welcomed the Government’s new diaspora policy but feared its silence on the voting issue would undermine many positive proposals.
Read a summary of the policy here.
On the whole she acknowledged that there is much to welcome in this document. Its vision and strategic objectives are in line with the Community’s aspirations for a contemporary and mutually beneficially relationship with Ireland. “We welcome the Government’s commitment to ensure that welfare for the vulnerable and those in need, will remain at the heart of diaspora policy. The Emigrant Support Programme will continue to support community groups and thousands of volunteers who are helping our young people and pensioners; our culture and sport.”
In particular, the emphasis on the role of civil society organisations in helping the Irish Government meet their ambition to positively engage with the Diaspora. “The Governments establishment of a Civil Society Forum as recommended in our ten point plan alongside the hugely important economic forum, is to be applauded. The proposed move to multiyear funding is another major step forward, making it easier for organisations to do what they do best – providing services to the most vulnerable; whilst also being able to better plan for their own sustainable future through income diversification.”
With reference to the Civil Society Forum, we will be giving our full support for this new proposal and its long term development. We all have a lot to learn from the work of Irish organisations in the United States and Canada, in Australia and many other countries. Irish in Britain have a lot to offer from our own experience but, most importantly, we want to use the opportunity to exchange and share with others – to create a clear diaspora voice.
The policy also focuses on connecting with the younger generations of Irish people who have recently migrated and seeks to develop a lasting relationship with them. Irish in Britain are therefore greatly disappointed that the government has chosen to ignore the persistent diaspora call for overseas voting. This is a call that has been overwhelmingly supported by an increasingly large number of people across Ireland and more specifically through the serious debate undertaken by citizens participating in the Constitutional Convention. Minister Deenihan himself recognised at the reports launch that increased communication and representation were the two key diaspora demands found in the DFA’s consultations, it would be a great pity to start the conversation whilst simultaneously closing the door on any reply.
Commenting on the policy Jennie McShannon said “We understand this is the first time that any Irish Government has formally outlined a Diaspora Policy and notwithstanding the vote’s issue, we are applauding the government for a very positive approach which reflects the diversity of the Diaspora and tailors actions in support of our mutually beneficial relationship. There is a clear message from Irish citizens overseas however, that we wish to participate in the democratic process by casting our votes. I hope the Government’s failure to commit will not reinforce cynicism and undermine what we are all trying to achieve.”