Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 February 2013
61. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide up to date achievements of the Global Irish Economic Forum; if any more progress been made in the creation of jobs through the connect Ireland scheme; if there are plans to hold a third Global Irish Economic Forum; and when the forum will take place. [8856/13]
View answerThe Global Irish Economic Forum held in 2009 and 2011 and the related Global Irish Network have made a substantive contribution to the Government’s jobs and growth agenda and to the restoration of our international reputation. The Progress Reports of the 2011 Forum, published in March and October 2012, highlight the wide range of outcomes progressed, including the following specific outcomes: The Gathering which aims to attract an additional 325,000 visitors to Ireland this year:
- The establishment of the Global Irish Contacts Programme which has already linked 20 Irish companies to 20 Global Irish Network members in key markets;
- The establishment of a series of advocates for Ireland across key sectors;
- The new Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad;
- The Invest in Ireland Roundtable hosted by President Clinton in New York in February 2012;
- The establishment of an strategic communications unit in the Department of the Taoiseach;
- Active involvement of Global Irish Network members in Trade Missions;
- Increased support for the SME sector through the Temporary Partial Guarantee Scheme;
- Improved access to Ireland for those who want to study and do business here; and
- The expansion of Bord Bia’s food networks abroad;
- Connect Ireland, which is working closely with Network members to create up to 5,000 new jobs in Ireland over the next 5 years.
I have decided to convene a third Global Irish Economic Forum in October of this year. The decision follows Government consideration of the matter at its meeting on 29 January 2013. I believe that a further Forum would continue the process of deepening our strategic engagement with the Diaspora and make a further direct contribution to investment and trade promotion.
The issue was discussed at the last meeting of the Global Irish network Advisory Group which took place in Farmleigh on 11 February. My Department is in ongoing discussion with other Departments and State Agencies as well as members of the Global Irish Network on the most appropriate structure and agenda for the event.
