Comhar Policy Bulletin Summer 2025
Please see below our latest Comhar Policy Bulletin. This edition covers:
Philomena’s Law
Census Reports
Interactive Constituency Map
British Nationality (Irish Citizens) Act 2024
Meitheal Muintire
Traveller Movement submission to Health and Social Care Committee
Philomena’s Law
In March 2024, the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme opened in the Republic of Ireland. This scheme allows former residents of eligible institutions to apply for redress in recognition of the harsh treatment, trauma and stigma experienced during and after their time in Mother and Baby Institutions.
In most cases, the money awarded takes applicants over the capital threshold for means-tested benefits and social care. Consequently those in receipt of the payment may find that their ability to claim benefits like Housing Benefit, Pension Credit and Universal Credit now and in the future will be impacted as the payment will be considered as savings.
Since the scheme was introduced, we and sector colleagues have made representations to the Department for Work and Pensions for the introduction of an 'indefinite capital disregard' for the scheme. This would ensure that payment from this scheme is not taken into account by the Department for Work and Pensions when means testing for benefits and social care in Britain.
Irish in Britain has worked closely with Liam Conlon MP’s office to advocate for a change in the law in this respect.
Liam introduced a Ten-Minute Rule Bill in March 2025, which he has called Philomena’s Law after Philomena Lee, whose story was depicted by Judi Dench and Steve Coogan in the eponymous film.
Later that month, our Policy and Research Manager Rosa Gilbert spoke on a panel at a community stakeholder event in parliament on Philomena’s Law.
In June, a Westminster Hall Debate took place on the merits of introducing a capital disregard. Andrew Western, Minister at the Department for Work and Pensions was present and gave an update on the government’s position, which is that they are still considering the matter.
Earlier this month Liam Conlon held a parliamentary drop-in with actor and comedian Siobhán McSweeney, where we received significant support for Philomena’s Law from MPs across many parties.
Census Reports
Irish in Britain has commissioned research analysis into the 2021 Census of England and Wales, and the 2022 Scotland Census. The reports, authored by Professor Alessio D’Angelo (University of Derby) and Dr Neil Kaye (University College London) were published respectively in 2024 and 2025, and can be found on our website as well as printed copies.
We launched the England and Wales census report at the Embassy of Ireland, London in May 2024 and will be officially launching the Scotland Census report later this year in Edinburgh.
Interactive Map
Using data from the two Census reports, adjusted to account for new constituency boundaries in the 2024 General Election, we have updated our interactive constituency map. This provides data of the Irish community across Britain in each constituency based on ethnicity, country of birth and passport held, as well as statistics on Irish Travellers (the latter is collated differently in England and Wales to Scotland).
You can find the map online here: Interactive map of the Irish in Britain 2024 - Irish in Britain
The older version of the interactive map, comparing the 2021 and 2011 census statistics using the older constituency data, is still available here: Interactive Map 2023 boundaries - Irish in Britain
British Nationality (Irish Citizens) Act 2024
A new piece of legislation simplifying the process for Irish people to obtain British citizenship, and offering a 50 percent discount in the price took effect on 22 July.
Further details can be found HERE.
Meitheal Muintire
The Irish End-of-Life Project, Meitheal Muintire, launched in London at the end of April with subsequent events taking place in Leeds and Liverpool.
The project, led by Irish in Britain and Innisfree Housing Association, aims to develop a community-informed response to improve practice and policy towards end-of-life care for the Irish in Britain
Irish people, in common with other minority groups, often face cultural and systemic barriers at end of life. Delays in funeral arrangements, limited understanding of traditions, customs and practice, reluctance to discuss death and dying – all contribute to distress and unmet needs for individuals and their families.
The project aims to inform recommendations for future practice and policy: the need for culturally appropriate care that recognises origin, history and community experience. Though health and social care systems are often overstretched, there is a broad consensus for change, initially in practice and information, with longer-term policy recommendations to inform culturally competent end-of-life care.
Stakeholders include community members, families and carers, clergy, NHS acute services and primary care, social care professionals, and voluntary sector partners.
Project milestones:
By the end of 2025, Meitheal Muintire will publish:
A Community Charter for Change, capturing key themes, needs and priorities
A roadmap for Irish community sector, providers, and Irish government - report launch and next steps
Read more about the project HERE.
Traveller Movement submission to Health and Social Care Committee
The Traveller Movement submitted written evidence to the government's Health and Social Care Committee Call for Evidence on a child's first 1,000 days, providing recommendations on tackling the complex issues contributing to health inequalities faced by Gypsy, Roma and Traveller families.
The submission can be found HERE.
These Policy bulletins will be sent quarterly. Any queries, or if you wish to include any updates, please contact Policy and Research Manager Rosa Gilbert: policy@irishinbritain.org