Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, has begun a two-day programme in Britain to deepen engagement with Irish voluntary and community organisations and to launch the Government's new Diaspora Strategy in Britain.

Starting today (22 July), the Minister will meet Irish community leaders from across the South of England and the Midlands at the Luton Irish Forum to discuss local priorities and support needs. He will also formally launch the Government's new Diaspora Strategy for audiences in Britain.

Ahead of the visit, Minister Richmond said: "I am delighted to be travelling back to Britain to meet frontline organisations providing vital support to those most in need, including the elderly and survivors of institutional abuse living in Britain.

"As Britain is home to the largest Irish born community outside Ireland, it is fitting that we have a launch of the Government's new Diaspora Strategy. We had significant input into developing the strategy in Britain, with consultations in London, Scotland and the north of England, and I look forward to meet community representatives at the Luton Irish Forum and hearing their feedback."

The Minister will visit the London Irish Centre (LIC) in Camden, a leading provider of community care to vulnerable members of the Irish diaspora and a hub for cultural and educational activity. The LIC is undergoing a major redevelopment of its Camden Square premises, supported by the Irish Government, to meet future community needs. Minister Richmond said: "I am looking forward to visiting the London Irish Centre, for an update on their ambitious redevelopment plans. Earlier this year, the Government announced €3.4 million to support the project. This was the largest single investment that the Government has made in an Irish diaspora organisation and reflects the commitment set out in Global Ireland 2025 to strengthen our engagement with Irish communities overseas. The new centre will ensure Ireland has a hub in London for inter-generational engagement, where the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren of Irish emigrants come to engage with their heritage and further deepen the vital ties between Ireland and the UK for generations to come."

The agenda also includes a visit to Immigrant Counselling and Psychotherapy (ICAP), a key Government partner providing dedicated counselling and psychotherapy to survivors of institutional abuse across Britain, reflecting the State's commitment to support survivors living there.

In South London, the Minister will meet the Southwark Irish Pensioners Project (SIPP) in Bermondsey and spend time with its active ageing class as it celebrates its 20th anniversary.

Ireland's Diaspora Strategy 2026–2030 is available at www.ireland.ie/en/irish-diaspora/diaspora-strategy-2026-2030/. Details of funding for organisations under the Emigrant Support Programme can be found at www.ireland.ie/emigrantsupportprogramme. To date, the London Irish Centre has received €6.75 million in Government funding for its redevelopment and works with 79 partner organisations to deliver community and cultural programmes.