Ireland’s Minister of State for the Diaspora and International Development, Ciarán Cannon T.D., was in Boston last month for a two-day program of consultations with the Irish diaspora in which he met with representatives of more than 20 Irish-American organizations as part of the preparation for the Irish government’s new diaspora policy.

He also visited some of the six Irish community organizations that receive funding from the government to provide legal, welfare, and cultural activities to the diaspora in New England.

Cannon also held political meetings, discussed international relations with students of Northeastern University, and led a discussion on women in science at Boston College to mark St Brigid’s Day.

Speaking about his visit, Cannon noted that “Boston is at the heart of Irish America and Massachusetts is the most Irish State in the US. Irish culture and tradition are deeply embedded there and a range of vibrant and dynamic organisations represent our diaspora. I am very much looking forward to hearing from them about the opportunities they see for greater engagement and collaboration and also learning of the challenges they face in delivering crucial services to the Irish and Irish-American communities.”

He added that the Boston discussions “will inform our work on a new strategic policy for diaspora engagement as part of Global Ireland 2025.”
– BIR STAFF