The first Global Irish Civic Forum was held in Dublin Castle last week, attended by almost 200 people working with Irish communities in 17 countries worldwide. The panel discussions on topics including the challenges facing new emigrants, mental health, return migration and Irish identity and heritage were lively and informative, with strong contributions from the panellists and from the floor. Catch up on the sessions you might have missed with the videos below.
Welcome Address by Minister for Diaspora Affairs Jimmy Deenihan
Challenges facing new Irish emigrants: Panel discussion with Sinéad Crowley (IIBN and icap), Joe Thompson (Irish Australian Support Association, Queensland), Cathy Murphy (Irish Canadian Immigration Centre), Stephen Aherne (Irish Outreach San Diego), and video link with the Irish Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
Irish identity and heritage: Panel discussion chaired by Steve Lenox (Irish Network USA) with Patrick Morrison (Comhaltas UK), Páraic Duffy (GAA), Niamh Hamill (Drew University), Gerard Mulligan (Ireland Japan Chamber of Commerce), and Nancy Wormington (Irish Cultural Center, Kansas).
Reaching out to Irish citizens abroad: Panel discussion chaired by Jennie McShannon (Irish in Britain), with Celine Kennelly (Irish Immigration Pastoral Center, San Francisco), Marion O'Hagan (Australian Irish Welfare Bureau), Denise Flanagan (Honorary Vice Consul, Auckland), Joe O'Brien (Crosscare) and video link with the Irish Embassy in London.
Supporting the mental wellbeing of Irish emigrants: Panel discussion chaired by Mike Carroll, with Joan Freeman (Pieta House), Claire Barry (Mind Yourself), Sally Mulready (Irish Elderly Advice Network), Yvonne MacNamara (The Traveller Movement UK), and video link from the Irish Embassy in Ottawa.
Address by Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan on the opportunities in Ireland now for returning emigrants.
Assisting emigrants returning to Ireland: Panel discussion chaired by Marty Kavanagh (Honorary Consul, Western Australia), with Minister for Diaspora Affairs Jimmy Deenihan, Michael McLoughlin (Connect Ireland), Ciara Kenny (The Irish Times), Andrea Pappin (All About Jobs), and video link from the Irish Consulate in Sydney.
Closing remarks by Minister for Diaspora Affairs Jimmy Deenihan.
