The Irish Association for Cultural, Economic and Social Relations (sometimes simply known as The Irish Association) was founded in 1938 as an all-Ireland organisation.
Its founding criterion is stated as follows:
"The principal objective of The Irish Association is the promotion of communication, understanding and co-operation between all people of Ireland both North and South. The Association is a non-party political and non-sectarian body with the aim 'to make reason and goodwill take the place of passion and prejudice in Ireland, North and South'"
MISSION STATEMENT
VISION: Reason and goodwill to take the place of passion and prejudice in Ireland, North and South.
MISSION: To make a real contribution to the growth of reconciliation, mutual trust and respect through providing an impartial forum for dialogue and debate.
GOALS & OBJECTIVES: Act as a bridge to and between cultural, economic & social issues and interests across the Island; Encourage & develop broader and deeper analysis, debate and communication at all levels of Irish society; Continually recreate platforms and processes to enable effective forms of cultural, economic and social relationships to emerge in Northern Ireland and on the island of Ireland, North & South; Act as an impartial and membership-driven forum for the shared concerns of the wide range of organisations and individuals involved in North-South affairs.