The new 20-year Irish-language strategy announced by the Taoiseach recently is aimed at increasing the use of Irish among all citizens. Curiously, however, the document makes almost no reference to the Irish abroad, despite the enthusiasm of the government for diaspora participation in almost every other realm of strategic growth (The diaspora has figured highly… Continue reading Where is the diaspora in the Irish-language strategy?

Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin has published “The Global Irish Economic Forum – One Year On”, a progress report outlining initiatives taken up in the year since the Global Irish Economic Forum at Farmleigh. Mr Martin describes the effect of Farmleigh on the Ireland-Diaspora relationship as “transformative”: The Irish worldwide embraced the spirit of… Continue reading Global Irish Economic Forum year-on report released

Because emigration is so rarely depicted in the Irish visual arts, it’s always exciting to see an artist tackle the subject. Brian McCarthy’s Exodus [see larger size] is part of a new exhibition called “Boomtown”. It’s a bit cheeky in its depiction of Irish emigrants as refugees in a boat bedecked with a white flag… Continue reading Artist depicts emigration in satiric exhibition

2011 will be an exciting time for lovers of Irish culture in the US, according to Mary Hanafin, Minister of Arts, Sport and Tourism. In an answer to written questions in the Dáil, Minister Hanafin revealed plans for Culture Ireland’s showcase of Irish artistic excellence that will be taking place all over the US next… Continue reading Irish culture showcase planned for US in 2011

Is it possible that the government’s promise relating to presidential voting rights for overseas citizens may have been forgotten? An exchange in the Dail seems to indicate that the government’s commitment to movement on the issue of presidential voting rights for the Irish abroad may not be at the forefront of Taoiseach Brian Cowen’s mind. The… Continue reading Is the government forgetting its promise on presidential voting rights for emigrants?

The Migration Policy Institute has produced a most impressive series of works on diaspora engagement, in association with US Aid. The series examines the role of diasporas in development policy, and cover a wide range of topics. The ones on Diaspora philanthropy and heritage tourism seem particularly relevant to Ireland. The series so far: Diaspora… Continue reading Migration Policy Institute publishes series on diaspora engagement