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Global Irish Economic Forum.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 December 2009

Tuesday, 15 December 2009

Questions (23)

Billy Timmins

Question:

40 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the composition of the new Global Irish Network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46825/09]

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Written answers

One of the main objectives of the Global Irish Economic Forum was to examine ways in which Ireland and its global community could develop a more strategic relationship with each other, particularly in the economic sector. A key recommendation of the subsequent Report of the Forum, published by the Government on 13 October, was the establishment of a new Global Irish Network. This initiative will formalise the relationship that developed at the Forum among those highly influential figures who attended and who now feel that they have a stake in delivering renewed economic growth in Ireland. The Network will also provide the means of further developing the strategic engagement of the global Irish community with affairs in Ireland while simultaneously giving greater focus to our economic and cultural work abroad. Furthermore, I am confident that the Network will serve to maintain the positive momentum that was generated at Farmleigh.

The Network will, in the first instance, be composed of those who were invited to attend the discussion at Farmleigh. In addition, I have requested that each of our bilateral Missions abroad propose additional members of the Diaspora, or individuals with a strong affinity to Ireland, that would also be suitable for inclusion in the Network. The focus remains on those individuals with strong experience in the business sector. This process is still ongoing and the final composition of the Network has yet to be decided. I expect to be in a position to make a public announcement on its formation in early 2010.

More broadly, I am pleased with the significant progress already achieved in taking forward the work begun at Farmleigh. The Government has established a new inter-Departmental Committee, chaired by the Secretary General of the Department of Taoiseach, to consider the proposals and monitor progress across Departments. The Committee has begun its work and will report to Government early in the New Year. One of the main themes to emerge from the attendees was the importance of Irish Culture to the image of this country abroad. I was therefore pleased to announce on 7 December that funding of €2.3million is being provided by my Department for a new landmark Irish Arts Centre in New York as a key outcome of the Forum. I have also recently allocated $250,000 to support the work of the Irish Technology Leadership Group in California and the establishment of an Irish innovation centre there — two specific recommendations that emerged from the Forum.

Other ideas which are being actively progressed include: the Gateway Ireland portal, which would serve as a key online focus for promoting Ireland abroad and engaging with our global community; an expanded educational exchange and scholarship programmes to increase engagement with younger generations; and an overseas graduate placement programme. I am aware that a number of other Departments are also taking forward initiatives suggested at Farmleigh. I am similarly encouraged by the fact that significant work has already been undertaken by participants themselves on a number of projects that are more suitably advanced by the private sector.

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