Minister Richmond launches first Global Irish Survey

Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond, will visit London on 7 July for the latest in a series of consultations he is having with Irish communities around the world as part of the government’s commitment to deliver a new Diaspora Strategy.

During the visit, the Minister will also launch the on-line consultation for the Irish diaspora: The Global Irish Survey.

Speaking ahead of the launch Minister Richmond said: “Over the last six months, I have heard first hand from many remarkable members of our diaspora on the challenges and opportunities of being Irish overseas.

“However, I am also conscious that the Global Irish are truly global. I am launching the first ever Global Irish Survey so we hear from as many voices as possible to ensure our new diaspora strategy reflects our contemporary diaspora. I hope that those abroad and those who have recently returned home will share their views through the Global Irish Survey so they can have their voice heard and help shape our new policy.”

The survey can be found on Ireland.ie and is open until the end of August.

During the visit, the Minister will also host a consultation on the new strategy with a broad cross-section of the Irish community in the South of England and Wales drawn from the business, sport, culture, academic, community care sectors as well as representatives of Irish centres and diaspora organisations.

Speaking about his continued engagement with the Global Irish, the Minster welcomed the real interest among the diaspora in engaging on the new strategy: “I am always pleased at the positive approach these conversations take. We have a shared focus on working together to support long-standing emigrants and newer arrivals and, importantly how we can strengthen the links – be they social, cultural, business, sporting or educational - between our overseas communities and Ireland.

“I have had a chance to hear from Irish-born, second or third generation Irish, underrepresented group and the affinity diaspora who through familial, work or education connections hold a deep appreciation for our people and culture. All their insights are actively shaping our thinking on the new strategy.”

Minister Richmond continued by saying: “In an ever changing world, where the economic environment is experiencing significant transition, the Irish diaspora and affinity diaspora provide a significant opportunity for Ireland in relation to trade and investment. We know that the Irish abroad have a vast network of business contacts and a large amount of the diaspora are in very influential and powerful positions across the globe.

“This network presents the opportunity to continue to diversify and expand trade and investment links as the world economy experiences a period of flux.”

As well as his engagements on diaspora affairs, Minister Richmond will also meet UK Development Minister, Baroness Jenny Chapman for a discussion on global developments in international development and humanitarian assistance.

ENDS

Press Office

7 July 2025

The government’s current diaspora strategy expires at the end of 2025. In line with commitments in the Programme for Government, work is underway on preparing the development of the next Diaspora Strategy.

In order to understand the issues affecting both long-standing emigrants and newer arrivals and to ensure the new strategy meets the needs of global Irish communities, Minister Richmond is undertaking a series of in-person engagements with diaspora communities across the world. To date, he has met with representatives of the Irish community in Nairobi, Brussels, Boston, Philadelphia, Manchester, Glasgow and London (7 July). In the weeks and months ahead, he will host sessions in the Middle East, across the US and Canada and with stakeholders at home.

The Global Irish Survey will allow us to hear from as many voices as possible and to give an opportunity to those we cannot meet in person to share their experiences and views. The findings of the survey will feed into our consideration of the new strategy

The survey is about 10 minutes long and a mix of multi-choice questions and reflective spaces for more considered responses on key issues. All data supplied is anonymous, nothing personal is requested.

The survey will also form the baseline for future surveys with the intention to roll out the survey on a regular basis (for example, every 2 years) to build up a picture over time of interests and issues deemed important by our Irish communities overseas.

The survey can be found on Ireland.ie and is open until the end of August.