This group should appeal to those who are native Irish and those born here of Irish parents. It will also be of interest to those with links to or interest in Irish issues. With this in mind the programme will depend on the make-up of the membership and the discussion and participation of each member is important. Some topics that could be explored : Irish identity and ambiguity, Irish arts (story-telling, playreading, literature and music), class, mental health, stereotyping, emigration/immigration (The half-open suitcase) … and no doubt the group will suggest some more.This is not a history group, but clearly, history will permeate throughout many of these topics Kate Mason (Group Convener)