Minister Richmond launches Ireland’s new Diaspora Strategy in New York

The Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, is in New York, where he attended the US launch of the government’s new Diaspora Strategy 2026-2030 at Ireland House.

Ireland’s third diaspora strategy provides a roadmap for the next chapter of deepening ties between Ireland and the Irish abroad. The strategy is the result of the largest ever consultation with the Irish diaspora, which included over 27 in-person meetings, five of which were held in the US, and the first ever online consultation, the Global Irish Survey, which ran throughout the summer of 2025.

Speaking after the launch in New York, Minister Richmond said: “Our new strategy is the culmination of thousands of conversations around the world, including a high level of engagement with the Irish in the US. It was fitting to launch the strategy in New York, a city with deep Irish roots. The government remains committed to engaging with and supporting Irish people overseas. I look forward to meeting with many of our Irish community partners in New York and Washington DC throughout this week.”

Noting the changing nature of the Irish diaspora in the US, the Minister remarked: “We recognise that many Irish centres in the US are operating in complex circumstances. We will continue working with our partner organisations, so that the most vulnerable in our communities are supported.

“With emigration patterns shifting, it is vital that we adapt our engagement with younger generations. Whether newly arrived Irish citizens, or 2nd, 3rd or 4th generation diaspora, the next generation of leaders will be central in sustaining vibrant communities and maintaining the connection to Ireland in the years ahead.”

Highlighting some of the key priorities of the new strategy, the Minister noted: “In my conversations across the world, I witnessed the appetite among the diaspora to help Ireland in advancing our trade and diplomatic agenda. We will invest further in these vital relationships and harness the invaluable connections, expertise and insights that have been offered to us.

“We also recognise the administrative hurdles people may face when they wish to return to Ireland and we remain committed to providing clear, accurate and accessible information to reduce the barriers some may face.”

ENDS

Press Office

12 May 2026

This is Ireland’s third Diaspora Strategy and its publication delivers on the commitment set out in the Programme for Government.

Based on almost a year of extensive consultations led by Minister of State Richmond, the strategy sets out 23 commitments built around the challenges and opportunities shared with us during the consultation process. An Action Plan for the commitments will be published in the period ahead.

The consultation also included the first ever online consultation with the Irish abroad. The Global Irish Survey which ran through the summer of 2025 received 10,000 responses.

The strategy was launched in Dublin at the Global Irish Civic Forum, which took place on 30 April – 1 May 2026.

Details of the strategy and the Global Irish Civic Forum can be found on our website at Global Irish Hub - Support for Irish Diaspora | Ireland.ie