Online Coverage of the Global Irish Civic Forum

The first ever Global Irish Civic Forum will take place in Dublin Castle on 3-4 June 2015. The Forum will bring together representatives of over 140 organisations working with the Irish diaspora all over the world, many of whom are funded under the Emigrant Support Programme.

Amongst the participants are welfare organisations working with our most vulnerable emigrants, organisations aimed at promoting Irish culture abroad, Irish-focused business networks and campaign groups for emigrants.

The Forum will allow these organisations to share their experience and will also provide an opportunity to recognise the work they undertake on a daily basis to support Irish emigrants abroad as they make new lives often far from home. Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan, TD, and Minister for the Diaspora, Jimmy Deenihan, TD, will address the Forum and there will be a number of panel discussions open to the media.

Wednesday 3 June

Welcome Address by Minister for Diaspora Affairs Jimmy Deenihan T.D.

Panel Discussion on challenges facing new Irish emigrants

Panel Discussion on Irish Identity and Heritage

Panel Discussion on reaching out to Irish citizens abroad

Panel Discussion on supporting the mental wellbeing of Irish emigrants

Thursday 4 June

Address by Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, Charles Flanagan T.D.

Panel Discussion on assisting emigrants returning to Ireland

'Diaspora Engagement - Past, Present and Future - How and Why Diaspora Matters’, Kingsley Aikins

Presentation by John Concannon, Director of the Ireland 2016 Project Team

Closing Remarks by Minister for Diaspora Affairs Jimmy Deenihan T.D.

The Forum takes place on 3-4 June 2015.

Speeches and panel discussions will be recorded over the two days of the Forum and will be available on the Global Irish Hub website.