Crosscare Irish Diaspora Support Project had the opportunity to address the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade on 29 September as part of its discussions on diaspora engagement.
Representing the project was our Project Leader, Sarah Owen, who outlined the support we provide Irish citizens who are emigrating, returning to Ireland, or facing crisis situations overseas. She also highlighted the evolving realities of Irish emigration and return, and the implications for future diaspora policy. Joining from the gallery were Georgie Lockhart, our Caseworker and Client Support Officer, and Nadeen Yousef, our Policy and Networks Officer.
Each year, we assist hundreds of Irish citizens and their families through pre-departure information, return migration support, immigration advice for non-EEA family members, and advocacy for people returning to Ireland in vulnerable circumstances. Working alongside Irish consular services and diaspora organisations worldwide, our team sees first-hand both the opportunities and challenges of migration.
On behalf of Crosscare, Sarah welcomed Ireland’s longstanding commitment to the wellbeing of its citizens abroad and the vital role the Emigrant Support Programme plays in sustaining services and connections across the diaspora.
She emphasised that the profile and needs of Irish emigrants are changing. While many people continue to benefit from living abroad, housing pressures, the rising cost of living, and employment considerations can influence decisions to leave Ireland and create barriers to returning home.
The Committee heard that our team is increasingly supporting people returning in complex circumstances, including those experiencing homelessness, financial hardship, deportation, and the aftermath of fleeing conflict. These experiences underline the importance of ensuring that diaspora engagement extends beyond maintaining connections overseas and includes practical support for those who wish, or need, to return.
Sarah spoke of the need for greater cross-government coordination when developing policies that affect returning emigrants and their families. Decisions relating to housing, social welfare and immigration can have significant consequences for Irish citizens seeking to re-establish their lives in Ireland after time abroad.
Ireland has much to be proud of in its approach to diaspora engagement. As migration patterns continue to evolve, we believe it is important that policy evolves alongside them. In this way, Ireland can ensure that support for our diaspora remains meaningful and responsive.
We thank the Committee for inviting us to participate in this important discussion, and for their interest in the lived experiences of those who make up our Irish diaspora.
To watch a recording of the meeting, see here.
You can also read our full written submission to the Committee here: Crosscare_Submission_JOC Foreign Affairs_290926.
