Eugene Dugan was appointed Director of the Irish Chaplaincy in Britain in November 2011. Born in New York with roots in Derry and Donegal he brings to the post experience in leading roles with health, social care, arts, culture and social justice charities in the UK and abroad. Most recently he was a registered manager for Mencap, conducted research for Quaker Social Action, and piloted a project at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (Queen Square) for the Princess Royal Trust for Carers, Camden Carers Centre.
Michael D. Higgins visits ICB
Chaplaincy staff raise issues of vulnerable emigrants with Irish Presidential candidate
Staff at the Irish Chaplaincy in Britain had the opportunity to highlight the needs of some of the most vulnerable Irish emigrants in Britain when they met in September 2011 with Irish Presidential candidate and former government minister Michael D Higgins.
Project Manager of the Chaplaincy’s Prisoner project Fr Gerry McFlynn revealed that the Chaplaincy works with approximately 600 prisoners throughout Britain, and mentioned that the aim of the Chaplaincy in the coming year is to make contact with more prisons in areas of the country where the the needs of Irish prisoners are not being met.
Mr Higgins was presented with a copy of the Irish Chaplaincy’s travellers in prison research report, which highlighted the discrimination suffered by Irish Travellers within the UK criminal justice system.
The Presidential candidate recounted tales of his time living in the UK in the 1960s working in a bar in Sussex and studying in Manchester.
“While the experience of being an emigrant has changed from when I came to Britain, the common thread which links all the generations is a desire to belong, to be part of a community.”
Upon his November 2011 election and inauguration, ICB sent a letter of congratulations to President Higgins. He responded, "It is my great honour and privilege to have been elected to serve the people of Ireland as their President and I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for your support and encouragement as I begin my seven year term".
