From:Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, will today (22 July) begin a two-day visit to Britain. The visit continues the Minister’s commitment to engaging with Irish voluntary and community organisations around the world.

Minister Richmond will meet with Irish community leaders from across the South of England and the Midlands at the Luton Irish Forum for discussions on their work and their communities. The Minister will also host the British launch of the Government’s new Diaspora Strategy.

Ahead of the visit, Minister Richmond said: “I am delighted to be travelling back to Britain to meet frontline organisations providing vital support to those most in need, including the elderly and survivors of institutional abuse living in Britain.

“As Britain is home to the largest Irish born community outside Ireland, it is fitting that we have a launch of the Government’s new Diaspora Strategy. We had significant input into developing the strategy in Britain, with consultations in London, Scotland and the north of England, and I look forward to meet community representatives at the Luton Irish Forum and hearing their feedback.”

The Minister will visit the London Irish Centre (LIC) in Camden, a leading provider of community care services to the most vulnerable of our diaspora, including the elderly and survivors of institutional abuse, as well as an extensive cultural and education programme. The centre is undertaking an extensive redevelopment project of their home at Camden Square, supported by the Irish Government, to ensure it can continue to meet the needs of the Irish community into the future.

Minister Richmond said: “I am looking forward to visiting the London Irish Centre, for an update on their ambitious redevelopment plans. Earlier this year, the Government announced €3.4 million to support the project. This was the largest single investment that the Government has made in an Irish diaspora organisation and reflects the commitment set out in Global Ireland 2025 to strengthen our engagement with Irish communities overseas. The new centre will ensure Ireland has a hub in London for inter-generational engagement, where the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren of Irish emigrants come to engage with their heritage and further deepen the vital ties between Ireland and the UK for generations to come.”

Minister Richmond will visit Immigrant Counselling and Psychotherapy (ICAP), a key partner of the Government in the provision of dedicated counselling and psychotherapy to survivors of institutional abuse across Britain, in line with the Government’s commitment to support survivors of institutional abuse living in Britain.

The Minister will meet with the Southwark Irish Pensioners Project (SIPP) in Bermondsey, South London, where he will have an opportunity to meet the active ageing class, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

Ireland’s new Diaspora Strategy can be found here:Ireland's Diaspora Strategy 2026 - 2030 | Ireland.ie

Full details of funding allocated to organisations under the Emigrant Support programme can be found atwww.ireland.ie/emigrantsupportprogramme

To date, the London Irish Centre has received €6.75 million in Government funding to support the redevelopment of the centre.

The LIC also works with 79 other organisations to deliver their community and cultural programmes. Further details atThe London Irish Centre | Irish Culture & Community Services.