Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has launched Global Irish Surveys as part of a consultation process to inform the Irish Government’s new Diaspora Strategy.
With Ireland's current Diaspora Strategy expiring at the end of the year, work is now underway to prepare the development of the next Diaspora Strategy, in line with commitments provided for in the Programme for Government.
The DFAT says that in order to understand the issues of importance to Irish communities overseas, it wants to hear from members of the Irish diaspora and those who have recently returned to Ireland.
The surveys will also form the baseline for future surveys, with the intention to roll out the survey on a regular basis to build up a picture over time of interests and issues deemed important by our Irish communities overseas.
Are you Irish and living abroad?
Or have you recently returned home?
Help us shape Ireland’s new Diaspora Strategy by sharing your views and experiences in our Global Irish Survey.
Have your voice heard: https://t.co/bKyaWiTwql#globalirish #irishabroad pic.twitter.com/RxqjmmKzOu
— Irish Foreign Ministry (@dfatirl) July 7, 2025
The Global Irish Survey for Individuals
This survey is for all individuals – at home or abroad – who wish to contribute to the development of Ireland's next Diaspora Strategy.
The survey can be accessed online here. It is anonymous and should take ten minutes to complete. The deadline for completion is August 31.
The Global Irish Survey for Organisations
This survey is for leaders of organisations engaging the Irish diaspora – based at home or abroad – that wish to contribute to the development of the strategy from the perspective of their organisation.
The survey can be accessed online here. It is anonymous and should take ten minutes to complete. The deadline for completion is August 31.
The Global Irish Position Paper Submission
This tool is for individuals or organisations to submit a policy reflection paper (a maximum of two pages) to share any ideas or insights in addition to the areas covered in the survey.
Papers can be submitted to GIS2025@thediasporainstitute.com by August 31.
The DFAT notes that it shall take all reasonable and necessary precautions to preserve the confidentiality of personal data and the anonymity of data subjects. All data shall be collected, used, transferred, and stored securely in accordance with the DFAT data protection principles.
All data provided will be used solely for the purpose of informing the next national diaspora strategy.
"Ensure our new diaspora strategy reflects our contemporary diaspora"
Ireland's Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, launched the Global Irish Surveys as he visited London on Monday, July 7, for the latest in a series of consultations with Irish communities around the world as part of the Government’s commitment to deliver a new Diaspora Strategy.
“Over the last six months, I have heard firsthand from many remarkable members of our diaspora on the challenges and opportunities of being Irish overseas," Minister Richmond said ahead of the launch.
“However, I am also conscious that the Global Irish are truly global.
"I am launching the first ever Global Irish Survey so we hear from as many voices as possible to ensure our new diaspora strategy reflects our contemporary diaspora.
"I hope that those abroad and those who have recently returned home will share their views through the Global Irish Survey so they can have their voice heard and help shape our new policy.”
During his London visit, Richmond will also host a consultation on the new strategy with a broad cross-section of the Irish community in the South of England and Wales, drawn from the business, sport, culture, academic, community care sectors, as well as representatives of Irish centres and diaspora organisations.
“I am always pleased at the positive approach these conversations take," the Minister remarked.
"We have a shared focus on working together to support long-standing emigrants and newer arrivals and, importantly, how we can strengthen the links – be they social, cultural, business, sporting or educational - between our overseas communities and Ireland.
“I have had a chance to hear from Irish-born, second or third generation Irish, underrepresented group and the affinity diaspora who, through familial, work, or education connections, hold a deep appreciation for our people and culture. All their insights are actively shaping our thinking on the new strategy.”
Minister Richmond continued: “In an ever-changing world, where the economic environment is experiencing significant transition, the Irish diaspora and affinity diaspora provide a significant opportunity for Ireland in relation to trade and investment.
"We know that the Irish abroad have a vast network of business contacts and a large amount of the diaspora are in very influential and powerful positions across the globe.
“This network presents the opportunity to continue to diversify and expand trade and investment links as the world economy experiences a period of flux.”
Minister Richmond has already met with representatives of the Irish community in Nairobi, Brussels, Boston, Philadelphia, Manchester, and Glasgow. In the weeks and months ahead, he will host sessions in the Middle East, across the US and Canada, and with stakeholders at home.