The Irish Church has always been concerned about its members overseas – their spiritual, psychological, and material well-being.   Priests have always traveled to dioceses in which Irish emigrants live. 

Today the Irish Conference of Bishops has established two special commissions for the Irish Diaspora - The Irish Episcopal Commission for Emigrants and the Irish Commission for Prisoners Overseas.

These Commissions organize Apostolates and volunteers in areas where there are significant numbers of Irish immigrants.  When possible and the situation merits it, they send Chaplains (Priests and Religious) who are the link with the Church in a particular Diocese and the Church at home.