A new survey for members of the Irish diaspora and recent returnees has been launched today by Minister Neale Richmond to help inform the Government’s next Diaspora Strategy.
The anonymous online survey, titled ‘The Global Irish Survey’, requires approximately 10 minutes to complete and asks questions relating to the provision of services for members of the diaspora, and their engagement with existing services.
“In order to understand the issues of importance to Irish communities overseas, we want to hear from as many members of the diaspora and those who have recently returned to Ireland as possible so our new strategy meets their needs and can also adapt to evolving circumstances,” the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said of the consultation process.
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,” he said.
The survey can be found on Ireland.ie and is open until the end of August.
A survey is also available for leaders of diaspora-related organisations that are based either at home or abroad.
Minister Richmond said that 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,” Minister Richmond said.