Diaspora Policies, Consular Services and Social Protection for Irish Citizens Abroad

Abstract

This chapter will show that Irish policies for citizens abroad are characterized by an intention to maximise the usefulness of the diaspora for Irish national interests and by a commitment to address the welfare, cultural and other needs of the Irish abroad and strengthen links between Ireland and its diaspora. The chapter addresses the main demographic characteristics of the Irish diaspora, the chief structures and policies of the Irish Government’s engagement with its diaspora and examines the social protection policies that include the Irish abroad, indicating the main principles that underpin this aspect of engagement with the diaspora. Finally, some of the ways in which Irish diaspora policies are changing are noted.