We let you have your say on Britain’s
Irish Diaspora
 By Niamh
Hennessy
Irish Post readers have been given the chance to have their voices heard
— on a national stage.
The Irish community in Britain has got the opportunity to have their say
on the needs of their very own community. And The Irish Post has arranged
to submit those views to the Irish Government as part of a major research
campaign aimed at discovering the concerns of the Diaspora — as
told by the Diaspora themselves.
British and Irish politicians have made visits to London, Manchester and
Leeds over the past few months to conduct research into the Irish communities
in these areas.
The politicians are all members of Committee D of the British-Irish Inter-Parliamentary
Body. The members will now begin to consider their findings on the current
circumstances of the Irish community in Britain — after which they
will finalise a high-level report.
The report will explore the particular challenges that the Irish community
in Britain faces, focusing especially on those Irish citizens who emigrated
from Ireland in the immediate post-war era.
It will also give a greater understanding of the range of support services
provided by both governments to the Irish community in Britain.
The committee also plans to consult widely with stakeholders and their
representatives to assess the particular needs of the Irish community
in Britain and to examine how best those needs are being met by the British
Government at central, devolved, local and health authority level and
by the Irish Government at central and local level.
As part of their research the committee has held meetings with relevant
government departments in both countries as well as with the Irish Embassy
in London, The Federation of Irish Societies, the Díon Committee
and organisations and groups working with the community throughout Britain.
In particular the committee will focus on a number of key issues which
include the elderly Irish, health, culture and education, Census 2011
and returning emigrants.
The committee was in Manchester and Leeds last week to conclude the first
stage of their research.
While there they met with members of the City Council in Manchester as
well as the Lord Mayor of Manchester.
Senator Mary O’Rourke said: “I was delighted to have paid
such an important visit to Manchester.
“Just like our visit to London a few months ago this has also been
a hugely productive visit and we are now going to conclude our study which
will be presented to both the British and Irish governments in due course.”
Senator Paschal Mooney added that as soon as the committee has finalised
its findings on the report they will meet with the Irish Foreign Affairs
Minister Dermot Ahern in order to discuss the results.
But before then we are looking for your input into what needs to be done
for the Irish community in Britain.
And news of the project has already drawn an enthusiastic response.
Liverpool-based Irishman Daniel McCafferty said: “It’s great
to see members of the Irish Government continue to recognise the needs
of the Irish community in Britain.
“I think what they’re doing is very positive but I would hope
that it’s the views of the people on a grassroots level that are
being taken on board.
“And of course the Irish Diaspora extends a lot further than just
that of Manchester, Leeds and London.”
If you didn’t get to voice your opinion in London, Manchester or
Leeds, now is your chance.
Let us know what you believe are the important issues facing the Irish
community in Britain and we’ll pass on your views so that you have
your say.
You can e-mail: irishpost@irishpost.co.uk or write to The Irish Post,
Cambridge House, Cambridge Grove, Hammersmith, London, W6 0LE.
The Irish members of the committee who attended the meetings in Manchester
were Senator Paschal Mooney, Senator Mary O’Rourke and Jim Glennon
TD.
The British members are led by Lord Dubs (Chairman, Labour), Chris Ruane
MP (Labour), Jeff Ennis MP (Labour) and John Austin MP (Labour).
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