Cathy Bennett
Ceist:74. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her proposals to expand the Irish diplomatic footprint in areas with a growing diaspora community. [8712/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 5 February 2026
Ceisteanna (74)
Freagraí scríofa
The Government is committed to deepening engagement with the diaspora. In 2025, my Department allocated almost €16.5 million to projects that support our diaspora. Our 2026 budget is €17.5m, the highest such allocation to date.
Work is advanced on the development of a new diaspora strategy. I have met with representatives of Irish communities and organisations in Britain, Europe, the US, Canada, in the Middle East and beyond to learn about the challenges and opportunities that exist for the Irish abroad. I also hosted consultations in Dublin and Galway and a valuable discussion with Oireachtas members during July last. The new strategy, which will be launched on 30 April, will reiterate the key role our embassy and consulate network plays in supporting Irish communities overseas.
Ireland’s diplomatic footprint expanded significantly under Global Ireland 2025 with twenty-six new missions opened since the strategy was launched in 2018.The most recent new mission is the new Consulate General in Melbourne, which opened last month. Diaspora engagement will be a priority area of work for the new Consulate. The new Consulate General in Málaga is due to open later this year.
Identifying where there is scope to build stronger links with our growing diaspora is an important consideration when deciding where we open new diplomatic missions. These decisions are also based on a robust analysis of how they will contribute to the promotion of our economic interests and our values and promoting our culture.
Work will begin shortly on the new Global Ireland 2040 strategy, which is due to be published this year. The new strategy will focus on enhancing Ireland's international influence and further strengthening Ireland's place in the world.
Decisions on new missions will be taken in the framework of the new Global Ireland 2040 strategy.