On October 29th, the Women's Irish Network was delighted to be among the community organisations gathered in London for the announcement of this year's Emigrant Support Programme (ESP) funding for Irish communities in Britain. It was an afternoon full of familiar faces, new connections and a real sense of pride in what the Irish community in London achieves together.
A first for our new Ambassador
It was a pleasure to welcome Sonja Hyland, who recently took up her post as Ireland's Ambassador to Great Britain. Ambassador Hyland joins the Embassy from her role as Deputy Secretary General at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and has previously served as Ambassador to Ethiopia and to Mexico. She succeeds Martin Fraser, and we look forward to working with her and the Embassy team in the years ahead.
Minister Richmond on the new Diaspora Strategy
Neale Richmond, Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, announced the funding and spoke warmly about the Irish community in Britain. He described it as the largest Irish community abroad, and perhaps the most diverse, reaching every part of society.
The Minister reflected on the consultation behind Ireland's new Diaspora Strategy. It was the largest ever, with more than 10,000 online submissions and in-person sessions in London, Glasgow and Warrington. As he put it, the strategy's priorities are the ones the community set.
Highlights from his speech included:
Britain remains at the heart of the programme. Around half of all ESP funding for communities overseas supports projects in the UK.
An extra €2 million secured for the global ESP in the recent Budget.
A new Innovation and Inclusion Fund, led by the Emigrant Services Advisory Committee, to reach under-represented groups such as multi-heritage Irish people.
Continued support for survivors of Mother and Baby Institutions living in Britain.
Investment in sport and culture, including a GAA Centre of Excellence in Lancashire and support for groups such as Comhaltas.
A moving performance
A standout moment was a performance by the Luton Irish Forum Youth Traveller Group. It was a powerful reminder of the discrimination that Traveller communities still face every day, and of how important it is that the diaspora's story includes every voice.
Why it matters to WIN
For more than 20 years, WIN has brought Irish women in London together to connect, support one another and celebrate our heritage. The Minister's focus on inclusion and on reaching newer and under-represented members of our community really resonated with us. That is exactly the spirit we try to bring to every WIN event.
Thank you to Minister Richmond, Ambassador Hyland and the Embassy of Ireland team for a warm welcome. Thank you too to every organisation in the room for the work you do, day in and day out.
