Global Irish parliamentarians gather in Dublin

First Global Irish Parliamentarians’ Forum takes place

An international group of Irish-connected parliamentarians will gather in Dublin this week for the first-ever Global Irish Parliamentarians’ Forum.

The forum will foster Ireland’s relationship with its diaspora by bringing together 44 Irish-connected political representatives who serve in national parliaments and state assemblies in Australia, Canada, France, the UK and the USA. Among those participating in the Forum are Congressmen Richard Neal and Brendan Boyle.

The Forum will commence in Iveagh House, the headquarters of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, where participants will be briefed on recent economic developments in Ireland by Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan.

Speaking ahead of the Forum, Minister Flanagan said: “I look forward to welcoming our guests to Iveagh House at the start of their busy programme, to update them on Ireland’s economy and the Government’s economic goals for the period ahead, particularly a more even spread of the positive effects of economic growth throughout the country.”

Friends of Ireland overseas, including parliamentarians, can be of great assistance to Irish companies seeking to do business overseas – Min Flanagan

The group will then visit Leinster House for a special session in the Dáil chamber chaired by the Leas Ceann Comhairle where they will be addressed by Tánaiste Joan Burton and Minister for the Diaspora, Jimmy Deenihan.

Minister Deenihan invited the parliamentarians to this forum which emerged from Ireland’s diaspora policy, Global Irish. The policy restated Ireland’s commitment to nurturing our relationship with our diaspora.

Speaking in advance of the visit, Minister Deenihan, said: “Over successive generations, members of the Irish diaspora elected to overseas parliaments and assemblies have been active spokespersons and advocates for Irish communities overseas. By maintaining close ties to their heritage, they ensured the Irish voice was heard in local, regional and national political systems around the world.”

Among the group is Congressman Brendan Boyle – the only member of the US House of Representatives with an Irish born parent

The forum will include a briefing on the Government’s plans to commemorate 1916, including the many events which will take place around the world.

The visitors will also have the opportunity to visit the Stephenstown Pond nature park in Dundalk which is supported by the International Fund for Ireland.

The Book of Kells and the GAA Museum in Croke Park are amongst the popular attractions which will be visited by the Forum participants.

Participants in the Forum

Baroness Anna Healy House of Lords
Lord Paul Bew House of Lords
Mr Jon Cruddas MP House of Commons
Mr Paul Flynn MP House of Commons
Ms Kerry McCarthy MP House of Commons
Mr Conor McGinn MP House of Commons
Ms Chi Onwurah MP House of Commons
Ms Pat Glass MP House of Commons
Ms Mary Creagh MP House of Commons
Mr Kevin Brennan MP House of Commons
Mr Michael Dugher MP House of Commons
Mr Francie Molloy MP House of Commons
Mr Greg Mulholland MP House of Commons
Mr Angus Brendan MacNeil MP House of Commons
Dr Philippa Whitford MP House of Commons
Ms Carol Monaghan MP House of Commons
Ms Margaret Ferrier MP House of Commons
Mr Jack Lopresti MP House of Commons
Mr Damian Collins MP House of Commons
Ms Michelle Donelan MP House of Commons
Dr Alasdair McDonnell MP House of Commons
Ms Margaret Ritchie MP House of Commons
Mr Mark Durkan MP House of Commons
Mr Michael McMahon MSP Scottish Parliament
Ms Siobhan McMahon MSP Scottish Parliament
Ms Clare Adamson MSP Scottish Parliament
Mr Hugh Henry MSP Scottish Parliament
Senator Helené Conway-Mouret French Senate
Congressman Richard E Neal US House of Representatives
Congressman Brendan F Boyle US House of Representatives
Congressman Jerry Costello (retired) Former US House of Representatives
Clerk of the House Martin J. Dunleavy Connecticut General Assembly
Representative Emmett D. Riley Connecticut House of Representatives
Representative Peggy Sayers Connecticut House of Representatives
Representative Kevin Ryan Connecticut House of Representatives
Senator Timothy Kennedy New York State Senate
Representative Kevin J Boyle Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo New Jersey House of Representatives
Assemblyman Tim Eustuce New Jersey House of Representatives
Deputy Premier Steve Kent MHA Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly
Honourable Brendan O’Connor MP Australian House of Representatives
Honourable Alanna Clohesy MLC Western Australia Legislative Council
Honourable Stephen Dawson MLC Western Australia Legislative Council
Honourable Kate Doust MLC Western Australia Legislative Council