Australia represented at Global Irish Parliamentary Forum

Representatives from Australia were among an international group of 44 Irish-connected parliamentarians who gathered in Dublin on 3 September for the first-ever Global Irish Parliamentarians’ Forum.

The forum aimed to foster Ireland’s relationship with its diaspora by bringing together Irish-connected political representatives who serve in national parliaments and state assemblies in Australia, Canada, France, the UK and the USA.

Minister for the Diaspora, Jimmy Deenihan TD, invited the parliamentarians to this forum which emerged from Ireland’s diaspora policy, Global Irish, in which the Government restated its commitment to nurturing Ireland’s relationship with its diaspora.

Hon Brendan O'Connor MP, Federal Member for Gorton, was among the group of Australian parliamentarians, along with Members of the Legislative Council of Western Australia: Hon Stephen Dawson MLC, Hon Kate Doust MLC, and Hon Alanna Clohesy MLC.

The parliamentarians visited Leinster House for a special session in the Dáil chamber chaired by the Leas Ceann Comhairle where they were addressed by Tánaiste Joan Burton, TD and Minister Jimmy Deenihan, TD.. The group was also briefed on recent economic developments in Ireland by Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan, TD at Iveagh House.
Speaking in advance of the visit, Minister Jimmy Deenihan, TD, said:

"Over successive generations, members of the Irish diaspora elected to overseas parliaments and assemblies have been active spokespersons and advocates for Irish communities overseas. By maintaining close ties to their heritage, they ensured the Irish voice was heard in local, regional and national political systems around the world.

"The forum will foster Ireland’s relationship with its diaspora by bringing together Irish-connected political representatives who serve in national parliaments and state assemblies in Australia, Canada, France, the UK and the USA.

I was overwhelmed by the positive response to my invitation and I am confident that this forum will further strengthen the bonds these elected officials feel with Ireland. This forum will allow us to brief the parliamentarians on the Government’s ambitious plans to commemorate 1916, including the many events which will take place around the world."

The group also visited some of Ireland’s most popular attractions including the Book of Kells at Trinity College Dublin and the GAA Museum in Croke Park.