I am delighted to be joining you here in Dingle today on the Wild Atlantic Way.
The title of this event says it all: Ireland’s Edge – Creativity, The Diaspora and Realising Potential.
As Ireland’s first ever Minister for Diaspora Affairs I am always seeking opportunities to connect with our diaspora in a creative way.
And I could see immediately that Ireland’s Edge is a great opportunity to reach out to the Irish abroad and to showcase the creativity and innovation that has been at the heart of this country’s journey.
When the economic crisis first bit deep and our international reputation was very damaged, our international family rallied around and were very much a part of this government’s efforts to get things back on track.
I was delighted to meet with the Global Irish Economic Forum in Dublin Castle last month where we were able to take stock of how much our recovery has progressed and to get their input on how best to plan for the future.
We reflected on the upsurge in emigration that came with the crisis which saw so many people of talent and energy leave these shores.
A clear message came from the Forum – we want these people to come back and we are now creating the opportunities that they need here at home.
We want to see them playing their part in the rebuilding of our economy, bringing home their experience to take up some of the jobs that are now being created. We want them back amongst their families and friends.
We want to start a national conversation with our diaspora about coming home to work.
That conversation is starting here today with #hometowork and we hope you will join with us in reaching out to our Global Irish family to make them aware of the opportunities that are now available here in Ireland.
This is a message that we will be promoting in the run up to, and after, Christmas when so many of our emigrants pay a return visit to their families.
Those that come home will be welcomed back to take their place in the rebuilding of our economy. They will bring with them their new-found experience and the confidence that they have gained.
I have been working with various organisations, both State and private, who have an interest in bringing our emigrants home, to coordinate an approach and to amplify the message that “we want our people home”. We will also be encouraging them to join in the #hometowork conversation.
While our recovery is continuing, we have a lot of good news to share. We want our emigrants to know that:
*The economy is now adding over 1,000 new jobs a week.
*The rate of people out of work has dropped below 9% and below 200,000 for the first time since late 2008.
*We are determined to restore all the jobs lost in the recession by 2018 and to get unemployment down to 6% by 2020.
*To ensure the economic recovery is felt across regions in Ireland a €250 million regional jobs strategy is being rolled out across the country - with 5 in a series of 8 Regional Action Plans already launched.
*We have reduced the government budget deficit from a peak of 12.5% of GDP in 2011 to an expected 1.2% next year. Our target is to eliminate it altogether in 2018 and deliver a balanced budget.
Through an inter-departmental and inter-agency group on the implementation of the Diaspora Policy, I am looking at the various barriers that stand in the way of returning emigrants and this group will examine these and provide a whole-of-Government approach to them where possible.
All of these initiatives are firmly rooted in Global Irish – Ireland’s Diaspora Policy our first comprehensive policy for engagement with our diaspora which was published last March.
At the heart of this policy is the real desire to establish and maintain connections with our diaspora – to support; connect; facilitate and recognise their involvement. The policy is an important recognition that those connections are real and important.
Through the Emigrant Support Programme we support those who have left Ireland and need or want support. We also seek to connect in an inclusive way with those of all ages, around the world who are Irish, or Irish descent or have a tangible connection to Ireland. We also facilitate Irish business networks overseas to help Irish business people and professionals to connect with each other and seek out new opportunities.
The Policy also recognises the importance of culture as a means of making connections.
More than any other aspect of Ireland or our Irishness, our culture reaches all corners of the world. This is something that I have seen at first hand as Minister for Diaspora Affairs. Just this week I launched an exhibition for the National Gallery of Ireland – the Pathos of Distance which is formed around 42 historical images of Irish migrants created between 1813 and 1912 and sourced from various countries around the world. It recognises the importance of emigration to Irish history and shows that our diaspora has always been diverse and has long been a part of our identity.
I was also honoured to launch the Chicago Art Institute exhibition Ireland: Crossroads of Art and Design, 1690 – 1840 in March of this year, which reflects the strong Irish influence on the city as well as the great tradition of Irish artistry.
This tradition is also reflected and celebrated in Irish Design 2015 which is raising the profile of Irish design, at home and abroad. This creative campaign, spearheaded by the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland, is increasing awareness of the value of design in all aspects of life and building on the international reputation of Irish design. It is also encouraging links between local and global Irish designers and showcasing the importance of design to success in business and as a driver of economic growth.
I think it is fair to say that as a nation we are not in any way short on creativity.
Today’s event brings together an impressive array of talented people with business and creative backgrounds. This gathering alone demonstrates the wealth that this country has at its disposal in terms of talent and energy.
I want to thank Philip King for organising this conference as part of the well renowned music festival Other Voices, now in its 14th Year here in Dingle. I would like to thank all the speakers and participants and all of the partners who have made this event possible.
I look forward to our discussions and expect to come away with an inspired list of recommendations on how best to leverage our creativity to create jobs and to engage with our diaspora.