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Minister Deenihan at the launch of the Local Diaspora Toolkit

Diaspora Affairs Minister Jimmy Deenihan today launched the Local Diaspora Toolkit in Government Buildings.

The Local Diaspora Toolkit is a practical guide for Local Authorities and local and community groups to assist in the development of strategies for local diaspora engagement.  It recognises that Irish people have a keen sense of attachment to their place of origin and builds on the objectives of Global Irish – Ireland’s Diaspora Policy which seeks to facilitate a wide range of activity at national and local level designed to develop two-way diaspora engagement.

The Toolkit seeks to develop the potential for communities and counties in Ireland to reach out to their own local diasporas.  It will facilitate the building of new relationships with the Irish abroad to benefit local and regional development.

Speaking at the launch Minister Deenihan said:

As Minister for Diaspora Affairs, I am delighted to present this first Local Diaspora Toolkit which will allow local authorities and local communities to develop initiatives that establish and deepen connections with the Global Irish community.  I have no doubt it will be of great interest and benefit to local authorities and indeed anyone who is involved in, or wishing to develop, diaspora initiatives in their locality.

The Toolkit can be downloaded here.