Minister McEntee launches “Shared Home Place: Diaspora Voices” in Boston

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee TD, yesterday launched the Government of Ireland’s new “Shared Home Place: Diaspora Voices” initiative, at a St. Patrick’s Day event at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston.

Speaking in advance of the event in Boston, Minister McEntee said: “As part of the Government’s Shared Home Place dialogue programme, I am delighted today to launch the “Shared Home Place: Diaspora Voices” initiative. Supported by the Shared Island Fund, this initiative will invite Irish people abroad, from all traditions and backgrounds, to come together to explore their shared heritage and cultural, place-based connections.

“It is appropriate that this launch takes place in Boston, one of the great centres of Irish migration. Where better to start a conversation amongst the Irish abroad about our shared island, our shared home place?

“This is an opportunity for Irish people all over the world to offer their perspectives on the past, present and future of our shared island, and to be part of a national conversation about issues such as identity, reconciliation, inclusion, connectedness, and the future.”

ENDS

Press Office

18 March 2026

Note for Editors

Announced last year by the Taoiseach as part of the Shared Island initiative, the Government of Ireland’s “Shared Home Place” encourages communities across the island of Ireland, and Irish communities abroad, to explore their shared heritage and culture, starting with the question: What does a Shared Home Place mean to you – past, present, and future?

Shared Island funding has been allocated to a new Shared Home Place Diaspora Voices fund, with financial support available to our network of diplomatic missions for eligible projects.

The fund will be rolled out across 2026, on a pilot basis, focused initially on regions with Irish populations of high density and longevity. Shared Home Place Diaspora Voices will be project-based and, while led by our diplomatic missions, should be rooted in local diaspora communities.

Events could include, but are not limited to, town halls, fireside chats, panel discussions, citizen assembly type fora, academic studies, research projects etc. For dispersed diaspora communities, missions could consider online platforms/solutions for engagements.

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee TD, remarks as provided at the St. Patrick’s Day event at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston can found here: Speech by Minister Helen McEntee, on the occasion of St Patrick’s Day Dinner at JFK Presidential Library and Museum, Boston - 17 March 2026